Apparatus and method for calculating aiming point information

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to target acquisition and related devices, and more particularly to telescopic gunsights and associated equipment used to achieve shooting accuracy at, for example, close ranges, medium ranges and extreme ranges.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/263,089 filed 28 Apr. 2014, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/561,856 filed 30 Jul. 2012, now U.S. Pat. No.8,707,608 issued 29 Apr. 2014, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/979,204 filed 27 Dec. 2010, now U.S. Pat. No.8,230,635 issued 31 Jul. 2012, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/706,184 filed 12 Nov. 2003, now U.S. Pat. No.7,856,750 issued 28 Dec. 2010.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to target acquisition and related devices,and more particularly to telescopic gunsights and associated equipmentused to achieve shooting accuracy at, for example, close ranges, mediumranges and extreme ranges.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

All shooters, whether they are police officers, soldiers, Olympicshooters, sportswomen and sportsmen, hunters, plinkers or weekendenthusiasts have one common goal: hitting their target accurately andconsistently. Accuracy and consistency in shooting depend largely on theskill of the shooter and the construction of the firearm and projectile.

The accuracy of a firearm can be enhanced by the use of precisely-madecomponents, including precisely-made ammunition, firearm components andtarget acquisition devices. It is well known in shooting that usingammunition in which the propellant weight and type, bullet weight anddimensions, and cartridge dimensions are held within very strict limits,can improve accuracy in shooting.

At very long ranges, in excess of 500 yards, however, the skill of theshooter and the consistency of the ammunition is often not enough toinsure that the shooter will hit the target. As range increases, otherfactors can affect the flight of the bullet and the point of impact downrange. One of these factors is “bullet drop”. “Bullet drop” is caused bythe influence of gravity on the moving bullet, and is characterized by abullet path which curves toward earth over long ranges. Therefore to hita target at long range, it is necessary to elevate the barrel of theweapon, and the aiming point, to adjust for bullet drop.

Other factors, such as wind, Magnus effect (i.e., a lateral thrustexerted by wind on a rotating bullet whose axis is perpendicular to thewind direction), projectile design, projectile spin, Coriolis effect,and the idiosyncrasies of the weapon or projectile can change theprojectile's path over long range. Such effects are generally referredto as “windage” effects. Therefore, for example, to hit a target at longrange, it may be necessary to correct for windage by moving the barrelof the weapon slightly to the left or the right to compensate forwindage effects. When shooting East and West the elevation will beeffected. Shooting due East, the bullet impact will be high. Shootingdue West, the bullet impact will be low. The elevation at extended rangemight change slightly up or down depending on the spin of the projectilein a right hand or left hand twist barrel. Thus, for example, in orderto hit a target at long range, the shooter must see the target,accurately estimate the range to the target, estimate the effect ofbullet drop and windage effects on the projectile, and use thisinformation to properly position the barrel of the firearm prior tosqueezing the trigger.

In addition, conventional telescopic target acquisition devices are notgenerally useful at long ranges in excess of 400-800 yards. At closeranges less than 100 yards conventional target acquisition devicesgenerally fall short when extreme accuracy is desired. The cross-hairsof such target acquisition devices are typically located in the centerof the field, with the vertical hair providing a central indicator formaking a windage adjustment, and the horizontal hair providing a centralindicator for making a bullet drop adjustment. Modifications to thisbasic system have not, thus far, enabled a skilled shooter firing atlong ranges to acquire and hit a target quickly and reliably, regardlessof the weapon used (assuming always that the firearm is capable ofreaching a target at the desired long range).

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 1,190,121 to Critchett, discloses a reticlefor use in a rifle scope containing a rangefinder having markings forfinding a range with reference to the height of a man. Apparentlybecause of the innate variation in the height of any given individualfrom that used to produce the reticle, and the resulting inaccuracywhich that would produce at long ranges, Critchett's scope was onlyuseful to 600 yards.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,948,587 to Rubbert discloses a reticle and telescopegunsight system having primary cross-hairs which intersectconventionally at the center of the field, and secondary horizontalcross-hairs spaced apart by different amounts to form a rangefinder anddistinct aiming apertures and points, based upon a predetermined,estimated size of a target. Rubbert's preferred embodiment isconstructed for use in shooting deer having an 18″ chest depth. However,like Critchett, the usefulness of Rubbert for shooting other targets ofvarying size at long range is doubtful.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,492,733 to Leatherwood discloses a variable power scopehaving aiming cross-hairs and two upper cross-hairs for bracketing atarget of known dimensions at a known distance. The scope is mounted toa gun barrel, and the position of the scope in relation to the gunbarrel is adjustable up and down to compensate for bullet drop bycovering the target with the bracketing cross-hairs, and rotating anadjustment ring to expand or contract the bracketing cross-hairs tobracket the target. Leatherwood's scope, like the others discussedabove, has limited utility at long ranges because it is designed with aspecific size target in mind, and would therefore be inaccurate whenused with targets of widely varying size, and also because at long rangethe scope may not be able to move sufficiently in relation to the barrel(i.e., may be obstructed by the gun barrel).

U.S. Pat. No. 4,403,421 to Shepherd discloses a scope having a primaryand secondary reticles, the secondary reticle being a polygonal reticlewith different indicia on the different faces which can be rotated intoposition to compensate for bullet drop and determining target range fordifferent sized targets. However, having to rotate a secondary reticleto locate an appropriate target shape in order to determine the range istime consuming and undesirable, since it takes the shooter's attentionaway from the target.

It should be noted that the range finding inaccuracies inherent in theseprior art references may be resolved using a laser rangefinder or highlyaccurate optical rangefinder. However, since a laser rangefinder emitslight, there is always the possibility that the beam from a laserrangefinder could be detected by an individual with special equipment,revealing the position of the shooter, causing a live target to move, orother undesirable consequences for the rifleman using the laser beforethe shot can be taken. Furthermore, a laser rangefinder includes complexelectronics which must be handled with care. Laser rangefinders requirea reflective target to achieve consistently accurate range. Finally, alaser rangefinder must be powered with electricity from a source whichmust be carried by the shooter. The additional weight is a burden, andthe possibility exists that power source could fail or become exhaustedthrough use, causing the rangefinder to cease working.

Accordingly, the need exists for a target acquisition device having areticle which includes, for example, an optical rangefinder whichpermits a skilled shooter to rapidly and accurately identify the rangeto any target of known or estimable size, no matter how large or small,to make fast and accurate adjustment for projectile drop and windage,using the shooter's knowledge and experience and without the need tomove rings or make adjustments (i.e. through the elevation and windageknobs) to the target acquisition device, thus enabling the shooter toaccurately hit targets at any range, depending upon the gun handlingskills and eyesight of the shooter, and the maximum range of theselected firearm, and the selected ammunition. The shooter never has totake her or his eye off the target acquisition device from the time theshooter spots the target and determines range, using the proper gridline to accurately engage and hit the target. Reticles of the presentinvention allow the rifle to be zeroed, for example, at 100 yards, or100 meters, or more, and yet be able to engage targets very accuratelyas close as 20 yards.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides reticles that provide means for selectingsecondary aiming points that accurately target an intended target at anydesired range, including extreme distances. In particular, the reticlesof the present invention provide markings or other indications thatallow a user, for example, to associate a first aiming point of thereticle with an intended target (e.g., the aiming point created by thecross-section of primary vertical and horizontal cross-hairs), and toidentify a second aiming point (e.g., identified by a generated aimingdot, an electronic aiming dot, or an aiming point created by secondaryvertical and/or horizontal cross-hairs) that represents a point toinsure an accurate shot to hit the target.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a reticle for use inany target acquisition device, fixed power scope or a variable powertelescopic gunsight, image amplification device, or other aiming device.In some embodiments, the reticle comprises a substantially transparentdisc, although the present invention is not limited to the use of discshaped reticles, or to substantially transparent reticles, or toelectronically generated reticles. In some embodiments, the reticle hasan optical center and an edge for mounting said reticle in a housing(for example, between an objective lens and the ocular lens of a scope),one or more aiming points positioned on said reticle, wherein the aimingpoints are formed by a primary vertical cross-hair intersecting theoptical center of the reticle, a primary horizontal cross-hairintersecting said primary vertical cross-hair to form an upper rightsector (e.g., quadrant), an upper left sector, a lower right sector, anda lower left sector, a plurality of secondary horizontal cross-hairs ata predetermined distance along said primary vertical cross-hair, and aplurality of secondary vertical cross-hairs at a predetermined distancealong at least some of said secondary horizontal cross-hairs. Thecrosshairs may be of any length, width and may comprise contiguous linesare may have gaps. In some embodiments, the secondary horizontal andvertical crosshairs comprise intersecting continuous lines so as to forma grid.

In one embodiment, unique markings (for example, numbers) identify atleast some of the secondary cross-hairs. In a further embodiment, theprimary horizontal cross-hair intersects that primary verticalcross-hair at the optical center of the reticle. In another embodiment,the primary horizontal cross-hair intersects that primary verticalcross-hair below the optical center of the reticle. In a preferredembodiment, the primary horizontal cross-hair intersects that primaryvertical cross-hair above the optical center of the reticle. In a yetfurther embodiment, the plurality of secondary horizontal cross-hairsare evenly spaced at a predetermined distance along the primary verticalcross-hair. In another embodiment, at least some of the secondaryhorizontal cross-hairs are unevenly spaced at a predetermined distancealong the primary vertical cross-hair. In a still further embodiment,the plurality of secondary vertical cross-hairs are evenly spaced at apredetermined distance along at least some of the secondary horizontalcross-hairs. In another embodiment, at least some of the secondaryvertical cross-hairs are unevenly spaced at a predetermined distancealong the primary horizontal cross-hair. In yet another embodiment, thereticle additionally includes range-finding markings on the reticle. Therange finding markings may be in one of the sectors formed by theprimary vertical and horizontal cross-hairs, or may be on the primaryvertical or horizontal cross-hairs. In some embodiments, the primary orsecondary crosshairs themselves are used as rangefinder markings.

In still further embodiments, the reticle is optionally illuminated forday use, for twilight use, for night use, for use in low or absentambient light, or for use with or without night vision. In yet a furtherembodiment, illuminated dots at, for example, even or odd Mil Radianspacing are separately illuminated in the shooter's field of vision.

In a preferred embodiment, the reticle of the present invention isconstructed from an optically transparent wafer or electronicallygenerated disc having an optical center that coincides with a center ofa field of vision when the wafer is mounted in a scope. In oneembodiment, a primary vertical cross-hair having a predeterminedthickness bisects the disc, intersecting the optical center of the disc,or intersecting at a point offset from the optical center of the disc.In another embodiment, a primary horizontal cross-hair having apredetermined thickness intersects the primary vertical cross-hair, mostpreferably above the optical center of the disc, to form an upper rightsector (for example, quadrant), an upper left sector, a lower rightsector, and a lower left sector. A plurality of secondary horizontalcross-hairs having predetermined thickness are spaced along the primaryvertical cross-hair. In a particularly preferred embodiment, at leastsome of these secondary horizontal cross-hairs are identified with aunique identifier, to aid the shooter in calibrating the horizontalcross-hairs by range, and in locating the appropriate horizontalcross-hair to use in selecting an aiming point. A plurality of secondaryvertical cross-hairs having predetermined thickness are spaced along atleast some of said secondary horizontal cross-hairs to aid in makingaccurate windage adjustments. In a further embodiment a separaterange-finding means is positioned on the reticle to aid the shooter indetermining the range to target. In a still further embodiment employingmilitary reticles, the shooter uses the distance subtended by thevertical or horizontal lines to calculate the range to the target.

The reticles of the present invention may be made of any suitablematerial. The reticles may have any suitable markings that permit use asdescribed above and elsewhere herein. The markings may be generated byany means, including, but not limited to, engravings, etchings,projections, digital or analog imaging, raised surfaces (for example,made of any desired material), etc. The reticles may be used in any typeof device where there is use for secondary or multiple aiming points.The reticles may be used in conjunction with one or more additionalcomponents that facilitate or expand use (for example, ballisticcalculators, devices that measure exterior factors, meteorologicalinstruments, azimuth indicators, compasses, chronographs, distanceranging devices, etc.).

In one embodiment, the present invention provides an improved targetacquisition device using the reticle of the present invention. In someembodiments, the target acquisition device has one or more of a housing,a means for mounting the housing in a fixed, predetermined positionrelative to a gun barrel, an objective lens mounted in one end of thehousing, and an ocular lens mounted in the opposite end of the housing.In some embodiments, the target acquisition device is a fixed powertelescopic gunsight, or a variable power telescopic gunsight. Whenoptics are mounted in the housing to permit the power to be varied alonga predetermined range, the reticle is most preferably mounted betweenthe objective lens and the variable power optics, although allconfigurations are contemplated by the present invention. The reticlemay be configured in a target acquisition device in any desired focalplane (e.g., first focal plane, second focal plane, or a combination ofboth), or incorporated into a fixed power telescopic gunsight. In afurther embodiment, the reticles of the present invention areincorporated for use in, for example, electronic target acquisition andaiming devices.

While the reticles of the present invention find particular use inlong-range target acquisition devices they can be used with equaleffectiveness at close and medium ranges. In one embodiment, the reticleof the present invention is adapted for use in a mid-range telescopicgunsight, or close range telescopic gunsight, or other device. Amid-range reticle, similar to the long-range reticle described above, isconstructed in accordance with this invention. Since the mid-rangereticle requires less lower field area, in some embodiments, the primaryhorizontal cross-hair can be conventionally positioned at the opticalcenter of the reticle. The mid-range reticle can then be calibrated andused in the same manner as a long-range reticle.

In an additional embodiment, the reticle is provided with acircumscribing ring visible through the target acquisition device, toaid in centering the eye relative to the target acquisition device. Thisring helps reduce shooting inaccuracy caused by the misalignment of theshooter's line of sight through the target acquisition device. The ringassures a repeatable check weld to the firearm which is beneficial torepeatable shooting. By providing a visual means to align the reticlewithin the target acquisition device, the shooter is able to producemore accurate and more repeatable results.

In one embodiment, the reticle is provided with an aiming dot. Theaiming dot may be located at the optical center of the reticle for rapidacquisition of a target at extreme, medium and close range, and foraiding the shooter in centering her or his eye relative to the field ofview. In a further embodiment, the aiming dot is projected on thereticle, for example, electronically from the ballistic calculator ofthe present invention, or for example, optically from a mirror, a splitimage, holographic image, or by other means such as an electronic gridplate. In a still further embodiment the projected aiming dot is avirtual aiming dot indicating correct barrel position to the shooter inthe absence of a line of sight to the target.

In yet another embodiment, a portion of the primary vertical cross-hairor the primary horizontal cross-hair, or both, is provided withrangefinder markings to eliminate the need for a separate rangefindermeans in one of the sectors formed by the intersection of the primaryvertical and horizontal cross-hairs.

In one embodiment, the reticle markings are assigned range and distancevalues, for example, automatically by using a computing devicecontaining a ballistics calculator program which receives informationregarding external field conditions (for example, date, time,temperature, relative humidity, target image resolution, barometricpressure, wind speed, wind direction, hemisphere, latitude, longitude,altitude), firearm information (for example, rate and direction ofbarrel twist, internal barrel diameter, internal barrel caliber, andbarrel length), projectile information (for example, projectile weight,projectile diameter, projectile caliber, projectile cross-sectionaldensity, one or more projectile ballistic coefficients (as used herein,“ballistic coefficient” is as exemplified by William Davis, AmericanRifleman, March, 1989, incorporated herein by reference), projectileconfiguration, propellant type, propellant amount, propellant potentialforce, primer, and muzzle velocity of the cartridge), target acquisitiondevice and reticle information (for example, type of reticle, power ofmagnification, first, second or fixed plane of function, distancebetween the target acquisition device and the barrel, the positionalrelation between the target acquisition device and the barrel, the rangeat which the telescopic gunsight was zeroed using a specific firearm andcartridge), information regarding the shooter (for example, theshooter's visual acuity, visual idiosyncrasies, heart rate and rhythm,respiratory rate, blood oxygen saturation, muscle activity, brain waveactivity, and number and positional coordinates of spotters assistingthe shooter), and the relation between the shooter and target (forexample, the distance between the shooter and target, the speed anddirection of movement of the target relative to the shooter, or shooterrelative to the target (e.g., where the shooter is in a moving vehicle),and direction from true North), and the angle of the rifle barrel withrespect to a line drawn perpendicularly to the force of gravity).

In one embodiment, the output of a ballistics program is selected toproduce a targeting range data card for providing aiming pointinformation for a specific target at a known range, or multiple targetsat known or estimable ranges. In a further embodiment, the targetacquisition device and reticle is a conventional telescopic gunsight andreticle in which the scope is adjusted to hit a target at range byrotating horizontal and vertical adjustment knobs a calculated number of“clicks”. In a further embodiment, the telescopic gunsights and reticlesinclude all varying designs of telescopic gunsights and reticlesapparent to one skilled in the art, for example, telescopic gunsightsmanufactured and marketed by Leupold, Schmidt-Bender, Swarovski, Burris,Bushnell, Zeiss, Nikon, Kahles Optik, Nightforce, and reticles, forexample the T. D. Smith reticle, Burris reticle, and Cabela's reticle.In a preferred embodiment, the telescopic gunsight contains a reticle ofthe present invention in which the specific aiming point for the targetis identified by reference to the calibrated secondary horizontal andvertical cross-hairs. In some preferred embodiments, the calculatorcomprises means for unit conversion for any desired measurement.

In some embodiments, one or more components of the invention (forexample, the ballistics calculator, target acquisition device, devicefor measuring external information) is contained in, or coated in, amaterial that shields the device from exterior interfering or damagingsignals or forces (e.g., electromagnetic shielding, radiation shielding,shielding from concussive forces, etc.). In another embodiment of thepresent invention, the ballistics calculator system includes a remotelycontrolled safety switch with ergonomic indicator to the shooter ofswitch status.

Other embodiments will be evident from a consideration of the drawingstaken together with the detailed description of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A better understanding of the invention and its advantages will beapparent from the detailed description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the optical components of a telescopicgunsight of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view of a reticle of the present invention, showingthe markings as viewed through a zoom telescopic gunsight at high power,the spacing of the markings based upon a “shooter's minute of angle” orinch of angle” (IOA™) scale;

FIG. 3 is a front view of a reticle of the present invention, showingthe markings as viewed through a zoom telescopic gunsight at low power;

FIG. 4 is a partial side view of an example of a firearm showing atelescopic gunsight mounted on the barrel;

FIG. 5 is an example of 500 yard zero ballistic table created for a .50Cal. Bolt Action Model M-93 Rifle having a 30 inch barrel built firing a.50 Cal Browning Machine Gun cartridge;

FIG. 6 is an example of a worksheet which can be used to calibrate themarkings on a reticle in some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a completed worksheet based upon the table shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8a is a first portion of an illustrative table providing data fordetermining an appropriate windage adjustment for the example;

FIG. 8b is a second portion of an illustrative table providing data fordetermining an appropriate windage adjustment for the example;

FIG. 9 is an example of a reticle of the present invention based upon a“centimeter of angle” (COA™) scale;

FIG. 10 is a front view of an example of a mid-range reticle of thepresent invention, the spacing of the markings based upon an “inch ofangle” (IOA™) scale;

FIG. 11 is a front view of a reticle of the present invention includinga circumscribing ring, the spacing of the markings based upon an “inchof angle” (IOA™) scale;

FIG. 12 is a front view of a reticle of the present invention includinga circumscribing ring and an aiming dot located at the optical center,the spacing and the markings based upon an “inch of angle” (IOA™) scale;

FIG. 13 is a front view of a reticle of the present invention in whichthe upper portion of the primary vertical cross-hair and the primaryhorizontal cross-hair have been provided with rangefinder markings of aUnited States Marine Corps Mil Radians scale, (where a circle equals6,283 Mils/circle); or it may be calibrated in United States Army Milscale (6,400 Mils/circle), or other Mil scale (e.g. 6000 mil/circle,9000 mil/circle), or European, Russian, or other variations of the Milscale.

FIG. 14 is a front view of a reticle of the present invention in whichthe upper portion of the primary vertical cross-hair and the primaryhorizontal cross-hair have been provided with rangefinder markings of an“inches of angle” (IOA™) scale;

FIG. 15 is a front view of a reticle of the present invention in which ahorizontal rangefinder bar intersects the primary vertical cross-hair ata position above the intersection with the primary horizontalcross-hair, and primary vertical cross-hair and horizontal rangefinderbar have been provided with rangefinder markings of any desirable scale;

FIG. 16a is a flow chart illustrating the data inputs relating toexternal conditions at the range required by the TRAG1S5 BallisticsComputer Program;

FIG. 16b is a flow chart illustrating the data inputs relating to weaponand ammunition required by, and outputs produced by, the TRAG1S5Ballistics Computer Program;

FIG. 17a is a targeting grid generated by a personal computer runningthe TRAG1S5 Ballistics Program for calibrating the range of thesecondary horizontal cross-hairs of a reticle of the present inventionfor stationary targets on a flat range and for calculating cross-windhorizontal offset information for each secondary horizontal cross-hair;

FIG. 17b is a targeting grid generated by a personal computer runningthe TRAG1S5 Ballistics Program for calibrating the range of thesecondary horizontal cross-hairs for a reticle of the present inventionfor stationary targets on a sloped range and for calculating cross-windhorizontal offset information for each secondary horizontal cross-hair;

FIG. 17c is a targeting grid generated by a personal computer runningthe TRAG1S5 Ballistics Program for calibrating the range of thesecondary horizontal cross-hairs for a reticle of the present inventionon a flat range and for calculating lead information for a moving targetand cross-wind offset information for each secondary horizontalcross-hair;

FIGS. 18a-18e illustrate PDA (personal digital assistant) data inputscreens for using a PDA targeting program of the present invention;

FIGS. 18f-18g illustrate PDA data output screens produced by the TRAG1S5PDA targeting program;

FIG. 18h illustrates input and output screens of the ballisticscalculator system of the present invention in other embodiments.

FIGS. 19a-c illustrate changes in the aiming point produced by differentconditions of target speed and direction relative to wind speed anddirection;

FIG. 20 illustrates the uphill/downhill angle produced when a riflebarrel is used to shoot at targets located above or below the shooter;

FIG. 21 is a flow chart illustrating the data inputs to the BallisticsComputer Program;

FIG. 22 is a front view of a reticle of the present invention, showingthe markings as viewed through a zoom telescopic gunsight at high powersuitable for use, for example, in varmint and target shooting;

FIG. 23 is a front view of a reticle of the present invention, showingthe markings as viewed through a zoom telescopic gunsight at high powersuitable for use, for example, in varmint and target shooting;

FIG. 24 is a front view of a reticle of the present invention, showingthe markings as viewed through a zoom telescopic gunsight at high powersuitable for use, for example, in general hunting, military, and policeapplications.

FIG. 25 is a front view of a reticle of the present invention, showingthe markings as viewed through a zoom telescopic gunsight at high powersuitable for use, for example, in general hunting, military, and policeapplications;

FIG. 26 is a front view of a reticle of the present invention, showingthe markings as viewed through a zoom telescopic gunsight at high powersuitable for use, for example, in general hunting, military, and policeapplications;

FIG. 27 is a front view of a reticle of the present invention, showingthe markings as viewed through a zoom telescopic gunsight at high powerwith a ghost ring and rangefinder;

FIG. 28 is a front view of a reticle of the present invention, showingthe markings as viewed through a zoom telescopic gunsight at high powerwith one or more primary horizontal cross-hairs vertically offset aboveoptical center;

FIG. 29 is a front view of a reticle of the present invention, showingthe markings as viewed through a zoom telescopic gunsight at high powerwith one or more primary horizontal cross-hairs vertically offset aboveoptical center;

FIG. 30 is a front view of a reticle of the present invention, showingthe markings as viewed through a zoom telescopic gunsight at high powerwith a rangefinder, and with the primary horizontal cross-hairintersecting the primary vertical cross-hair at optical center;

FIG. 31 is a front view of a reticle of the present invention, showingthe markings as viewed through a zoom telescopic gunsight at high powerwith primary horizontal cross-hair intersecting the primary verticalcross-hair at optical center;

FIG. 32 is a front view of a reticle of the present invention, showingthe markings as viewed through a zoom telescopic gunsight at high power;

FIG. 33 is a front view of a reticle of the present invention, showingthe markings as viewed through a zoom telescopic gunsight at high powersuitable for use, for example, in tactical, military, and policeapplications;

FIG. 34 is a front view of a reticle of the present invention, showingthe markings as viewed through a zoom telescopic gunsight at high powersuitable for use, for example, in tactical, military, and policeapplications;

FIG. 35 is a front view of a two-part illuminated reticle of the presentinvention, showing the markings as viewed through a zoom telescopicgunsight at high power suitable for use, for example, in mid-range,general purpose applications;

FIG. 35a is a front view of a two-part illuminated reticle of thepresent invention, showing the markings as viewed through a zoomtelescopic gunsight at high power under daylight conditions;

FIG. 35b is a front view of a two-part illuminated reticle of thepresent invention, showing the markings as viewed through a zoomtelescopic gunsight at high power when illuminated under low lightconditions;

FIG. 36 is a front view of a reticle of the present invention, showingthe markings as viewed through a zoom telescopic gunsight at high power,with the primary horizontal cross-hair intersecting the primary verticalcross-hair at optical center suitable for use, for example, in tactical,military, and police applications;

FIG. 37 is a front view of a reticle of the present invention, showingthe markings as viewed through a zoom telescopic gunsight at high powerand with the primary horizontal cross-hair intersecting the primaryvertical cross-hair above optical center; suitable for use, for example,in tactical, military, and police applications;

FIG. 38 is a front view of a reticle of the present invention, showingthe markings as viewed through a zoom telescopic gunsight at high powerwith a rangefinder, and with the primary horizontal cross-hairintersecting the primary vertical cross-hair at optical center, with abold ghost ring suitable for use at close to mid range;

FIG. 39a is a front view of a reticle of the present invention, showingthe markings as viewed through an electronic reticle at high powercalibrated in USMC Mil Radians, with the main cross-hairs subtending 0.2inches, the small hack marks subtending 0.1 inches and all othermarkings subtending 0.14 inches at 100 yards;

FIG. 39b is a front view of a reticle of FIG. 39a , showing the markingsas viewed through an electronic reticle at high power illuminated foruse under low light conditions;

FIG. 39c is a front view of a reticle of the present invention, showingthe markings as viewed through an electronic reticle at high powercalibrated in USMC Mil Radians, with the main cross-hairs subtending 0.1inches, the small hack marks subtending 0.05 inches and all othermarkings subtending 0.07 inches at 100 yards;

FIG. 39d is a front view of a reticle of FIG. 39c , showing the markingsas viewed through an electronic reticle at high power illuminated foruse under low light conditions;

FIG. 39e is a front view of a reticle of the present invention, showingthe markings as viewed through an electronic reticle at high powercalibrated in True Minute of Angle, with the main cross-hairs subtending0.2 inches, the small hack marks subtending 0.1 inches and all othermarkings subtending 0.14 inches at 95.5 yards;

FIG. 39f is a front view of a reticle of FIG. 39e , showing the markingsas viewed through an electronic reticle at high power illuminated foruse under low light conditions;

FIG. 39g is a front view of a reticle of the present invention, showingthe markings as viewed through an electronic reticle at high powercalibrated in True Minute of Angle, with the main cross-hairs subtending0.1 inches, the small hack marks subtending 0.05 inches and all othermarkings subtending 0.07 inches at 95.5 yards;

FIG. 39h is a front view of a reticle of FIG. 39g , showing the markingsas viewed through an electronic reticle at high power illuminated foruse under low light conditions;

FIG. 40 is a block diagram of an example of the ballistics calculatorsystem of the present invention;

FIG. 41a illustrates a representative target for use of the reticle ofthe present invention for a second shot correction of a missed firstshot;

FIG. 41b illustrates a range call for using line #8 for dropcompensation. For the first shot the target is placed on line #8 and theshot taken;

FIG. 41c illustrates that the shot taken in FIG. 41b misses the bullseyewith an impact high and to the right of the target;

FIG. 41d illustrates that when the reticle of the target acquisitiondevice is aligned so that the bullseye and original aiming point arealigned (at the central cross-hair of line #8), the actual bullet impactis at line #7, 2 hackmarks to the right;

FIG. 41e illustrates that line #7 2 hackmarks to the right is used forthe main targeting cross-hair aligned with the bullseye for the secondshot;

FIG. 41f illustrates that the second shot not impacts the bullseye usingthe impact point of the first shot on the reticle as the aiming pointfor the second shot;

FIG. 42 illustrates an example of the inputs and outputs integrated intoa Ballistics Calculating System of the present invention;

FIG. 43a is an example of the electronic target acquisition device ofthe present invention using an objective lens and one or more additionallenses with a long, full focal length tube;

FIG. 43b is an example of the electronic target acquisition device ofthe present invention using an objective lens and one or more additionallenses with one or more mirrors or one or more prisms to reduce the tubelength; and

FIG. 43c is an example of the electronic target acquisition device ofthe present invention using an objective lens and one or more additionallenses with one or more mirrors or one or more prisms to reduce the tubelength.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Certain preferred and illustrative embodiments of the invention aredescribed below. The present invention is not limited to theseembodiments.

As used herein, the term “firearm” refers to any device that propels anobject or projectile, for example, in a controllable flat fire, line ofsight, or line of departure, for example, handguns, pistols, rifles,shotgun slug guns, muzzleloader rifles, single shot rifles,semi-automatic rifles and fully automatic rifles of any caliberdirection through any media. As used herein, the term “firearm” alsorefers to a remote, servo-controlled firearm wherein the firearm hasauto-sensing of both position and directional barrel orientation. Theshooter is able to position the firearm in one location, and move to asecond location for target image acquisition and aiming. As used herein,the term “firearm” also refers to chain guns, belt-feed guns, machineguns, and Gattling guns. As used herein, the term firearm also refers tohigh elevation, and over-the-horizon, projectile propulsion devices, forexample, artillery, mortars, canons, tank canons or rail guns of anycaliber.

As used herein, the term “internal barrel caliber” refers to thediameter measured across the lands inside the bore, or the diameter ofthe projectile. As used herein, the term “internal barrel diameter”refers to a straight line passing through the center of a circle,sphere, etc. from one side to the other and the length of the line usedin ballistics to describe the bore of the barrel.

As used herein, the term “cartridge” refers, for example, to aprojectile comprising a primer, explosive propellant, a casing and abullet, or, for example, to a hybrid projectile lacking a casing, or,for example, to a muzzle-loaded projectile, compressed gas orair-powered projectile, or magnetic attraction or repulsion projectile,etc. In one embodiment of the present invention, the projectile travelsat subsonic speed. In a further embodiment of the present invention, theprojectile travels at supersonic speed. In a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention, the shooter is able to shift between subsonic andsupersonic projectiles without recalibration of the scope, withreference to range cards specific to the subsonic or supersonicprojectile.

As used herein, the term “target acquisition device” refers to anapparatus used by the shooter to select, identify or monitor a target.The target acquisition device may rely on visual observation of thetarget, or, for example, on infrared (IR), ultraviolet (UV), radar,thermal, microwave, or magnetic imaging, radiation including X-ray,gamma ray, isotope and particle radiation, night vision, vibrationalreceptors including ultra-sound, sound pulse, sonar, seismic vibrations,magnetic resonance, gravitational receptors, broadcast frequenciesincluding radio wave, television and cellular receptors, or other imageof the target. The image of the target presented to the shooter by thetarget acquisition device may be unaltered, or it may be enhanced, forexample, by magnification, amplification, subtraction, superimposition,filtration, stabilization, template matching, or other means finding usein the present invention. The target selected, identified or monitoredby the target acquisition device may be within the line of sight of theshooter, or tangential to the sight of the shooter, or the shooter'sline of sight may be obstructed while the target acquisition devicepresents a focused image of the target to the shooter. The image of thetarget acquired by the target acquisition device may be, for example,analog or digital, and shared, stored, archived, or transmitted within anetwork of one or more shooters and spotters by, for example, video,physical cable or wire, IR, radio wave, cellular connections, laserpulse, optical, 802.11b or other wireless transmission using, forexample, protocols such as html, SML, SOAP, X.25, SNA, etc., Bluetooth™,Serial, USB or other suitable image distribution method.

As used herein, the term “ballistics calculator system” as exemplifiedin FIG. 42 refers to a targeting system that may be, for example, analogor digital, which provides the shooter a solution for the trajectory ofa projectile.

As exemplified in FIGS. 1 and 4, a target acquisition telescopicgunsight 10 (also referred to herein as a “scope”) includes a housing 36which can be mounted in fixed relationship with a gun barrel 38. Housing36 is preferably constructed from steel or aluminum, but can beconstructed from virtually any durable, substantially rigid materialthat is useful for constructing optical equipment. Mounted in housing 36at one end is an objective lens or lens assembly 12. Mounted in housing38 at the opposite end is an ocular lens or lens assembly 14.

As used herein, the term “lens” refers to an object by means of whichlight rays, thermal, sonar, infrared, ultraviolet, microwave orradiation of other wavelength is focused or otherwise projected to forman image. It is well known in the art to make lenses from either asingle piece of glass or other optical material (such as transparentplastic) which has been conventionally ground and polished to focuslight, or from two or more pieces of such material mounted together, forexample, with optically transparent adhesive and the like to focuslight. Accordingly, the term “lens” as used herein is intended to covera lens constructed from a single piece of optical glass or othermaterial, or multiple pieces of optical glass or other material (forexample, an achromatic lens), or from more than one piece mountedtogether to focus light, or from other material capable of focusinglight. Any lens technology now known or later developed finds use withthe present invention. For example, any lens based on digital,hydrostatic, ionic, electronic, magnetic energy fields, component,composite, plasma, adoptive lens, or other related technologies may beused. Additionally, moveable or adjustable lenses may be used. As willbe understood by one having skill in the art, when the scope 10 ismounted to, for example, a gun, rifle or weapon 38, the objective lens(that is, the lens furthest from the shooter's eye) 12 faces the target,and the ocular lens (that is, the lens closest to the shooter's eye) 14faces the shooter's eye.

Other optical components that may be included in housing 36 includevariable power optical components 16 for a variable power scope. Suchcomponents 16 typically include magnifiers and erectors. Such a variablepower scope permits the user to select a desired power within apredetermined range of powers. For example, with a 3-12×50 scope, theuser can select a lower power (e.g., 3×50) or a high power (e.g., 12×50)or any power along the continuous spectrum in between.

Finally, a reticle assists the shooter in hitting the target. Thereticle is typically (but not necessarily) constructed using opticalmaterial, such as optical glass or plastic, or similar transparentmaterial, and takes the form of a disc or wafer with substantiallyparallel sides. The reticle may, for example, be constructed from wire,spider web, nano-wires, an etching, or may be analog or digitallyprinted, or may be projected on a surface by, for example, a mirror,video, holographic projection, or other suitable means on one or morewafers of material. In one embodiment as exemplified in FIG. 35,illuminated reticles are etched, with the etching filled in with areflective material, for example, titanium oxide, that illuminates whena light or diode powered by, for example, a battery, chemical orphotovoltaic source, is rheostatically switched on compensating forincreasing (+) or decreasing (−) light intensity. In a furtherembodiment, the illuminated reticle is composed of two or more wafers,each with a different image, for example, one image for daylight viewing(that is, a primary reticle), and one image for night viewing (that is,a secondary reticle). In a still further embodiment, if the shooterfinds it undesirable to illuminate an entire reticle, since it mightcompromise optical night vision, the secondary reticle illuminates areduced number of dots or lines. In yet another embodiment, theilluminated primary and secondary reticles are provided in any color. Ina preferred embodiment, the illuminated reticle of the shooter's aimingdevice is identical to one or more spotter target acquisition devicessuch that the spotting device independently illuminates one or both ofthe reticles.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the illuminated reticles of thepresent invention are used in, for example, in low light or no lightenvironments using rheostat-equipped, stereoscopic adaptive binoculars.With one eye, the shooter looks through a target acquisition deviceequipped with an aiming reticle of the present invention. With theopposite eye, the shooter observes the target using a night visiondevice, for example, the PVS 14 device. When the reticle and nightvision device of the binocular are rheostatically illuminated, and thebinocular images are properly aligned, the reticle of the targetacquisition device is superimposed within the shooter's field of visionupon the shooter's image of the target, such that accurate shotplacement can be made at any range in low light or no lightsurroundings.

In one embodiment as exemplified in FIGS. 39a-f , the reticle of thepresent invention is electronically projected on a viewing screencomprising the shooter's image of the target. As used herein, the term“image” refers to data representation of a physical object or space. Inanother embodiment, an electronic image receptor receives an image fromlenses made of, for example, plastic, glass or other clear material. Ina further embodiment, the electronic image receptor is permanentlyaffixed to the target acquisition device. In a preferred embodiment, twoor more electronic image receptors are simultaneously or sequentiallyavailable to the shooter for acquisition of different spectral imagesincluding, for example, IR, thermal, visible light, ultra-violet light(UV), radiation including X-ray, gamma ray, isotope and particleradiation, microwave, night vision, radar, vibrational receptorsincluding ultra-sound, sound pulse, sonar, seismic vibrations, magneticresonance, gravitational receptors, broadcast frequencies includingradio wave, television and cellular receptors, etc. In an additionalembodiment, the electronic image receptor is a replaceable component ofthe target acquisition device.

In some embodiments, the reticle of the present invention is a thick orthin line-weight reticle of the present invention, for example, FIGS. 2,3, 9-15, 22-38, or standard electronic reticle (FIGS. 39a-h ) of thepresent invention. In another embodiment, the reticle of the ballisticscalculator system of the present invention is a conventional reticle,for example, a standard duplex or universal Mil-Dot reticle.

In one embodiment, the electronic image is projected from the shooter'starget image acquisition device to the ballistics calculator processingunit of the present invention by, for example, physical cable, IR,Bluetooth™, radio wave, cellular connections, laser pulse, optical,802.11b or other wireless transmission using, for example, protocolssuch as html, SML, SOAP, X.25, SNA, etc., and may be encrypted forsecurity. The processing unit may be any sort of computer, for example,ready-built or custom-built, running an operating system. In preferredembodiments, manual data is input to the processing unit through voicerecognition, touch screen, keyboard, buttons, knobs, mouse, pointer,joystick, or analog or digital devices. In a further embodiment, thereticle of the present invention is electronically projected on aviewing screen comprising one or more spotter's image of the target. Ina still further embodiment, the electronic image of the spotter's targetimage acquisition device is projected to the ballistics calculator by,for example, cable, IR, Bluetooth™, or other wireless transmission. In aparticularly preferred embodiment, viewing screens of the ballisticscalculator system comprising, for example, aiming dots, ghost rings andtargeting data are projected on one or more shooter's and one or morespotter's viewing screens. In some embodiments the visual displayincludes LCD, CRT, holographic images, direct corneal projection, largescreen monitors, heads up display, and ocular brain stimulus. In otherembodiments, the display is mounted, for example, on the scope, inportable head gear, on glasses, goggles, eye wear, mounted on thefirearm, or in a portable display standing apart from the firearm.

In some embodiments, the shooter is able to use the processing unit ofthe ballistics calculator system to electronically select the color ofthe reticle or image, and, through electronic enhancement of the targetimage, for example, to defeat mirage, to increase or decrease thebrightness and contrast of the reticle, to increase or decrease thebrightness and contrast resolution of the target image, to stabilize theimage, to match the image with an electronic library of stored images,to electronically amplify the target image through pixel replication orany other form of interpolation, to sharpen edge detection of the image,and to filter specific spectral elements of the image. In otherembodiments, image types can be combined by the processing unit of theballistic calculating system of the present invention to assist inresolving images, for example, performing digital combinations ofvisible spectrum with thermal imaging, overlapping ultraviolet imageswith X-ray images, or combining images from an IR scope with nightoptics. The processing unit of the present invention gathers all dataon, for example, target size, angles and locations of spotters andshooters, and constructs an accurate position of the target in relationto the shooter. In a further embodiment, the ballistics calculatordisplays the electronic image observed by the shooter's or spotter'starget image acquisition devices.

In some embodiments, the target acquisition device and processing unitof the ballistics calculating system of the present invention areprovided in separate housings. In other embodiments, the electronictarget image acquisition device and processing unit of the ballisticscalculator system of the present invention are provided in a singlehousing. In a further embodiment, the housing is mounted on the firearm.In other embodiments, the housing is mounted, for example, on the side,back, top, or bottom of the target image acquisition device. In anotherembodiment, the housing is shielded, for example, from shock, water andhumidity, radio frequency, magnetic, and radioactive interference. In apreferred embodiment, after the firearm is discharged the targeting gridof the electronic target image acquisition device and ballisticscalculator system is adjusted so that the point of impact is matched tothe targeting grid, thereby establishing a rapid zero aiming point. Inyet another embodiment, firearm and telescopic aiming device are zeroedelectronically.

In one embodiment, the target acquisition device is not mounted on afirearm. An advantage of not having the target acquisition device imagereceptor be mounted on the scope or firearm is that much larger, morepowerful and more sensitive imaging components can be deployed, makingit easier to acquire better images without burdening the shooter withadditional bulk and weight. In addition, a stand-apart image receptor isnot exposed to recoil from the firearm. In the stand-apart ballisticscalculating system shooters, spotters and other interested parties viewthe target via a target image acquisition device, for example, a thermalimaging device, that projects an image on a video monitor or glasses,goggles, an eye-piece, a contact lens, a headset, or on the retina ofthe viewer. In some embodiments, the image receptor is in a spottingscope beside the firearm. In another embodiment, the image receptor ismounted on a nearby firearm. In a preferred embodiment, the imagereceptor is at a separate location, or remote site. In a particularlypreferred embodiment, the image receptor is in an airborne vehicle,drone, or satellite. In a further embodiment, the image is available aspreviously stored information. In another embodiment, the one or moreshooters use multiple or composite image receptors.

Once a target is identified in the target image acquisition device, thereticle of the present invention is superimposed over the target usingthe ballistics calculator system of the present invention, for examplethe ATRAG program (Horus Vision, LLC). In a further embodiment, a greenlaser is fired at the target with a red laser showing the exact aimingpoint to affect the shot. The shooter using, for example, a standardriflescope target acquisition device with the aiming reticle of thepresent invention uses the green laser as a reference to the actuallocation of the target, and fires at the red dot projected by the redlaser. In a preferred embodiment the shooter's target acquisition deviceis equipped with night vision. In another embodiment, a sighting laseris attached to the night vision thermal imaging device. Upon locating atarget, a laser beam is fired at the target. In a preferred embodimentthe electronic target acquisition device of the present invention isautomatically calibrated, and its zero aiming point is matched with thenight vision device which stands apart from the firearm. In yet furtherembodiment, the ballistics calculator system of the present inventioncomprising the thermal imaging device, laser, PDA or handheld PC, arelinked to a holographic projector to generate a holographicallyprojected targeting grid in front of the firearm. In a preferredembodiment, the exact aiming point on the projected holographic grid isalso projected. In another embodiment, the image acquired by thestand-apart image acquisition device is transmitted to other parties by,for example, wire, fiberoptic cable, IR, Bluetooth™, or radio frequency.

In another embodiment of the present invention, images including, forexample, faces, objects, compound layouts, landscapes or any item thatcan be stored into a data base, are compared against the database,identified, and the object's identity is displayed alongside the image.In yet another embodiment, the processing unit of the present inventioncontains a database of common objects as seen from many perspectives.For example, a truck can be seen from the top, side, back, either side,from the front or in a combined image. Using object recognition, thecomputer of the ballistics calculating system recognizes a selectedobject, the aspect of its point of view, and is able do calculate itsapproximate physical size, thereby providing an accurate range for theobject. In still another embodiment, all of the functions of theprocessing unit are performed without user intervention through the useof expert system rules, or Artificial Intelligence means.

Output of the ballistics calculating system of the present invention maybe communicated anywhere between any two or more components. In oneembodiment, target image information is shared between the shooter, aremote station, and central command facility. In this fashion jointdecisions may be realized or deferred. In another embodiment, output ofthe ballistics calculating system is stored, on, for example, VCR, DVD,hard disk, tape, FOBs or other portable storage device, analog ordigital media. In a preferred embodiment, target image aimingrepresentations are overlaid including, for example, simple cross-hairs,Mil-Dot cross-hairs, the reticles of the present invention, geometricsymbols, bullseyes, cursors, etc. In one embodiment, target image aimingrepresentations are used for direct aiming, that is the shooter looksdirectly through the aiming device at the target, and compensates forcorrections to the flight path by adjustments between the aiming deviceand the firearm. In a preferred embodiment, the firearm is indirectlyaimed at a projected virtual dot in visual space instead of the targetitself. Using the display image projected by the processing unit of theballistics calculating system the virtual dot is placed where thecross-hair should center, rather than on the target. By aligning thefirearm to the projected virtual dot, the bullet will follow a flightpath that will take it accurately to the intended target. In anotherembodiment, the projected dot on the screen represents the virtualindirect aiming point that, with a cross-hair or other symbol, is usedto align the firearm with the virtual point. As a consequence, with useof the ballistics calculating system of the present invention theshooter does not require direct sight of the target to accurately aimthe firearm.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the reticle is projected onglasses, goggles, an eye-piece, a contact lens, a headset, or on theretina of the shooter. In another embodiment, the reticle issuperimposed on any suitable image of the target, for example an opticalimage, a thermal image, an ultrasonic image, a sonar image, a radarimage, a night vision image, a magnetic image, an infrared image, anenhanced image of any kind, or a holographic projected electronic image.In still further embodiment, the reticle is superimposed on the intendedtarget and the aiming point is illuminated by a laser. Where themarkings on a reticle are generated or moveable, in some embodiments,the markings may be modified to account for changes in the environmentand/or desired function. For example, the position, size, spacing ofcrosshairs, etc. may be automatically or manually adjusted to improvefunction.

In one embodiment, information regarding external conditions enteredinto the ballistics calculator system of the present invention includesdata specific to the media through which the projectile travelsincluding, for example, gaseous media (for example, air or other gas),fluid media (for example, fresh water, salt water or other fluid), solidmedia (for example, soil, stone or other solid), or a vacuous media (forexample, near space within the solar system, or deep space beyond thesolar system). In some embodiments, the data includes, for example,temperature, density, viscosity, ionization, specific gravity, elementaland molecular composition, hardness, ambient radiation, gravitationalfield, and the like of the media.

In a fixed power scope, in preferred embodiments, the reticle is mountedany where between the ocular lens 14 and the objective lens 12 ofFIG. 1. In a variable power scope, the reticle is most preferablymounted between the objective lens 12 and the optical components 16. Inthis position, the apparent size of the reticle when viewed through theocular lens will vary with the power; for example, compare FIG. 2 (highpower) with FIG. 3 (low power). The reticle of the present invention maybe mounted in a variable power target acquisition device, for example avariable power telescopic gunsight such as those manufactured by Schmidt& Bender GmbH & Co. KG of Biebertal, Germany, or U.S. Optics because oftheir excellent optics. The variable power scope may magnify over anysuitable range and objective lens diameter, for example a 3-12×50, a4-16×50, a 1.8-10×40, 3.2-17×44, 4-22×58 telescopic gunsight, etc.

When the reticle is mounted between the objective lens and the variablepower optical components 16, the selected aiming point (as described inmore detail below) on the reticle of the present invention does not varyas the shooter zooms the scope in and out to find the most desirablepower for a particular shot. The reticle of the present invention isthus in the first focal plane so that the reticle markings scales areproportional to the image when viewed through the scope. Thus, a unit ofmeasure is consistent no matter the magnification. In one embodiment,since magnification is proportional on a linear scale through the powerrange, when the reticle is in the second plane (that is, the markingsstay the same size visually against a growing or shrinking image whenthe power changes (i.e. because the relationship is linear)), and whenthe power to which the scope is set is known, the scale value againstthe image at a known distance when seen through the scope is calculated.In a further embodiment, a “click” stop at fixed intervals on the powerring assists the user's ability to set the power at a known stop. In apreferred embodiment, these calculations are performed by the ballisticscalculator of the present invention.

For example, taking as input:

-   -   1. the power (P_(z)) that the reticle pattern is “true” (i.e.        10×)    -   2. the value worth (V_(z)) of the reticle pattern marks when        “true” (i.e. 1 Mil, or 10 cm at 100 meters)    -   3. the distance for the zero value (D_(z)) (100 meters)    -   4. the current power (P_(c)) setting (let's say 14)    -   5. the current distance (D) of the object being viewed (let's        say 600 yards)        Expressed as:        (V _(z))×(D _(t) /D _(z))×(P _(z) /P _(c))=current drop        or, for example        (10 cm)×(600m/100m)×(10/14)=42.86 cm drop        The same calculation can be applied to range finding as well.

As shown in FIG. 2, a preferred reticle 18 of the present invention isformed from a substantially flat disc or wafer 19 formed fromsubstantially transparent optical glass or other material suitable formanufacturing optical lenses. Disc 19 has two, substantially parallel,sides. A primary vertical cross-hair 20 is provided on one side of saiddisc 19 using conventional methods such as, for example, etching,printing, engraved by machine or burned by laser, or applying hairs orwires of known diameter. Etching is preferred. Primary verticalcross-hair 20 preferably bisects the disc 19 and intersects the opticalcenter 21 of reticle 18. A primary horizontal cross-hair 22 is alsoprovided, and most preferably intersects the primary vertical cross-hairat a position well above the optical center 21. Positioning the primaryhorizontal cross-hair in this way provides the necessary additionalfield of view necessary to shoot accurately at long ranges withoutreducing the magnifying power of the scope. Thus, the primary verticalcross-hair and the primary horizontal cross-hair form four sectors: anupper right sector (e.g., quadrant), an upper left sector, a lower leftsector, and a lower right sector, when viewed through a scope properlymounted to a gun barrel as shown in FIG. 4.

A plurality of secondary horizontal cross-hairs 24 are provided alongthe primary vertical cross-hair 20, preferably both above and below theprimary horizontal cross-hair 22 to aid in range adjustments and forlocating an appropriate aiming point on the reticle with respect to thedistance to the target. In one embodiment, the secondary, horizontalcross-hairs are evenly spaced. Some of these secondary, horizontalcross-hairs are provided with unique symbols 28 which are useful inquickly locating a particular horizontal cross-hair. Symbols 28 can benumbers, as shown in FIG. 2, letters or other symbols. Symbols 28 areused for identification purposes only. In one embodiment the at leastsome of the secondary, horizontal cross-hairs are evenly spaced. In afurther embodiment, at least some of the secondary horizontalcross-hairs are unevenly spaced.

A plurality of secondary vertical cross-hairs or hash-marks 26 areprovided on at least some of the secondary horizontal cross-hairs 24, toaid the shooter in making adjustments for windage and for locating anappropriate aiming point on the reticle with respect to both windage andrange. In one embodiment the at least some of the secondary, verticalcross-hairs are evenly spaced. In a further embodiment, the at leastsome of the secondary, vertical cross-hairs are unevenly spaced.

Also provided on the reticle is a means for determining range. As shownin FIG. 2, the rangefinder 30 can be provided in one of the sectorsformed by the primary vertical and horizontal cross-hairs, and caninclude a vertical arm 32 and an intersecting horizontal arm 34.Vertical arm 32 is provided with a plurality of evenly-spaced horizontalcross-hairs which intersect vertical arm 32; horizontal arm 34 isprovided with a plurality of evenly-spaced, preferably downwardlyextending cross-hairs. At least some of the range finding cross-hairsare marked to correspond to a scale useful for determining range.

The spacing between the range-finding cross-hairs can be based upon anon-conventional scale, which can be referred to as the “inches ofangle” (IOA™) scale. An “inch of angle” is defined as the angle made (orthe distance on the reticle) which covers, or subtends, exactly one inchat 100 yards—which is referred to as a “shooter's minute of angle”(SMOA™). On the reticle shown in FIG. 2, an inch of angle is thedistance between any two adjacent rangefinder cross-hairs. That is, thespace between any two adjacent rangefinder cross-hairs will cover orexactly contain a one-inch target at 100 yards. A similar scale formetric shooters, which is called a “centimeters of angle” (COA™) scale,can also be used, with a centimeter of angle being the distance on thereticle that covers exactly one centimeter at 100 meters. Conventionalscales, such as the “minute of angle” scale (true minute/angle) or MilRadian scale (6,283 Mils/circle, 6,400 Mils/circle, or any otherMils/circle system), can also be used, although they are less intuitiveto use and make the accurate estimation of long ranges more difficult.

In one embodiment, the spacings between secondary cross-hairs on theprimary vertical and horizontal cross-hairs are also determined withreference to the scale used for the rangefinder. In a furtherembodiment, the spacings between secondary cross-hairs on the primaryvertical and horizontal cross-hairs are independent with reference tothe scale used for the rangefinder. In a preferred embodiment, thespacings between secondary cross-hairs on the primary vertical andhorizontal cross-hairs are in USMC Mils, and the rangefinder is in IOA™.For the reticle as shown in FIG. 2, it can be seen by reference to therangefinder that the spacing between the secondary horizontalcross-hairs labeled 5 and 6 is 5 inches of angle. A shorter secondaryhorizontal cross-hair (or hash-mark) appears between horizontalcross-hairs 5 and 6, at a position 2.5 inches of angle from eithersecondary horizontal cross-hair 5 or 6. The secondary verticalcross-hairs 26, as shown in FIG. 2, are spaced apart by 5 inches ofangle.

The thicknesses of the lines are also preferably determined withreference to the range-finding scale used. Line thickness may vary withintended use with a variety of thicknesses selected in accord with use.For example, in long-range varmint scopes line thickness may subtendonly 0.1″ at 100 yards. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 2, thepreferred thickness of the primary vertical cross-hair 20 and primaryhorizontal cross-hair 22 is 0.5 inches of angle and the preferredthickness of the secondary horizontal and vertical cross-hairs are 0.25inches of angle. The rangefinder arms 32, 34 and the marked (5, 10, 15)rangefinder cross-hairs are preferably 0.25 inches of angle thick, andthe intermediate range-finding cross-hairs are preferably 0.1 inches ofangle thick. Line thicknesses may vary between reticles. In oneembodiment, a single reticle may have a variety of line thicknesses.

As shown in FIGS. 13-15, the rangefinder can be positioned at anyconvenient site in the reticle. It is possible to use the primaryvertical cross-hair 20 and/or primary horizontal cross-hair 22 as therangefinder, obviating the need for additional lines in any sectorformed by the intersecting primary vertical and horizontal cross-hairs.This is preferred because it provides a less cluttered, and thereforeless distracting, field of view.

As shown in FIG. 13, the upper portion of the primary verticalcross-hair 20 can be provided with rangefinder markings of any scale toform a rangefinder vertical arm 32. Likewise, substantially the entireprimary horizontal cross-hair 22 can be provided with rangefindermarkings of any scale to form a rangefinder horizontal arm 34. Typicalscales include the “inches of angle” or “centimeters of angle” scaleintroduced by the parent and grandparent applications from which thisapplication claims priority, as well as conventional scales such as USMCMil Radian scale, US Army Mil Radian scale, or minute of angle scalescan also be used.

As shown in FIG. 14, the rangefinder horizontal arm 34 can besuperimposed over only a portion of the primary horizontal cross-hair22. Although FIG. 14 illustrates an example where the rangefinderhorizontal arm 34 is located to the right of the intersection 21 betweenthe primary vertical cross-hair 20 and the primary horizontal cross-hair22, one skilled in the art will realize that the rangefinder horizontalarm 34 could just as easily be located to the left of intersection 21.The scale on the rangefinder markings can, if desired, be drawn to adifferent scale from that provided for the line thickness and spacingbetween the secondary vertical cross-hairs 26 and secondary horizontalcross-hairs 24. For example, an experienced shooter may be provided therangefinder markings in an inches of angle scale to speed up the processof determining the range to target, and then have the spacing betweenthe secondary horizontal cross-hairs 24 and secondary verticalcross-hairs 26 provided in a more conventional (and hence more familiar)scale that the experienced shooter can use to calibrate and shoot theweapon, such as, for example, a USMC Mil Radian scale.

In one embodiment, only one arm of the rangefinder is superimposed oneither the primary vertical cross-hair 20, or the primary horizontalcross-hair 22. As shown in FIG. 15, the rangefinder vertical arm 32 canbe superimposed over the primary vertical cross-hair 32 with arangefinder horizontal arm 34 extending into an upper quadrant andintersecting the primary vertical cross-hair 20 at a position aboveintersection 21. Although FIG. 15 shows the rangefinder horizontal arm34 extending into the upper left quadrant, it could just as easily bepositioned in the upper right quadrant. Likewise, the rangefinderhorizontal arm 34 could be superimposed over the primary horizontalcross-hair 22 and a rangefinder vertical arm 32 could intersect theprimary horizontal cross-hair 22 at a position to the left or to theright of intersection 21 and extend upwards into the left or rightsectors.

To use a target acquisition device and reticle of the present invention,it is preferred that the shooter becomes familiar with thecharacteristics of the firearm, projectile and ammunition to be used.The target acquisition device and reticle can be calibrated to work withalmost any type of firearm, for example, handguns, pistols, rifles,shotgun slug guns, muzzleloader rifles, single shot rifles,semi-automatic rifles and fully automatic rifles of any caliber, airrifles, air pistols, chain guns, belt-feed guns, machine guns, andGattling guns, to high elevation or over the horizon projectile devices,artillery, mortars, or canons or rail guns of any caliber. The targetacquisition device and reticle can be calibrated to work with any typeof ammunition, for example, a projectile comprising a primer, powder, acasing and a bullet, a hybrid projectile lacking a casing, amuzzle-loaded projectile, gas or air-powered projectile, or magneticprojectile.

Calibration of the Target Acquisition Device and Reticle

To calibrate the target acquisition device and reticle, in somepreferred embodiments, the shooter first determines the ballistics basedupon the characteristics of the weapon and ammunition to be used.Calibration for range and distance to target can follow many methods.For example, manual methods of calibration require no computer, involvetrial and error by the shooter, and provide back up when highertechnology-based methods fail or are not available. Computer-basedcalibration of the target acquisition device and reticle may beperformed, for example, on desktop, laptop, and handheld personalcomputing systems.

The target acquisition devices and reticles of the present invention mayalso be calibrated using second shot methods without the shooter takinghis or her eye off the target, or the rifle from the shoulder. Forexample, if the shooter misses on the first shot due to misjudgment ofwindage effect, range-to-target or other factors, the shooter may usethe reticle's marked grid lines for second-shot correction to fire aquick second shot, putting the bullet on target without calculations,and without adjustment of the target acquisition device's windage orelevation knobs. Using this method, on taking the second shot theshooter repeats the first shot exactly with reference to shootingposition, sight picture, and trigger control. The only difference willbe the point of targeting on the reticle. After the first shot, theshooter must remember the elevation marker line employed for the firstshot, the site held on the target for the first shot, and the pointwhere the first bullet impacted in relation to the target on the firstshot. Looking through the scope, the shooter then puts the cross-hairson the original aiming point, and notes where the bullet impacted inreference to the grid. That point of impact on the grid becomes the newtargeting point for a quick and accurate second shot.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 41a-f , suppose the shooter is aiming ata long-range target, using dead center of Line 8 on the reticle of thepresent invention for drop compensation. After firing, and missing thebullseye, the shooter notes where the bullet impacted on the target.Looking through the scope, the shooter then puts the dead center of Line8 on the target. Without moving off the target, the shooter notes on thegrid where the bullet struck. Suppose, for example, the bullet struck onLine 7, and 2 hackmarks to the right of center. Line 7, 2 hackmarks tothe right then becomes the new aiming point (cross-hair) for the secondshot. Placing the target on Line 7—2 hackmarks to the right, the shootersqueezes the trigger and hits the aiming point.

After a range table is generated for a set of conditions, and a shot istaken based on the solution at a given distance at, for example, 5horizontal marks down and 2 vertical marks to the right at 800 yards,but the shot misses two more marks down and one more mark right, insteadof back tracking to find which input parameter may be in error, theshooter rapidly inputs this additional adjustment into the ballisticscalculator, and the calculator will make the appropriate correctionsacross the entire range table based on the input.

Manual Calibration of the Target Acquisition Device and Reticle

For example, suppose the weapon to be used is a .50 caliber Bolt ActionRifle, Model M-93 with a 30 inch barrel built by Harris Gunworks inPhoenix, Ariz. The cartridge selected is .50 Cal Browning Machine Guncartridge, each of which is constructed from a brass case (made byWinchester), primer (CCI #35); powder (218 grains ACC #8700 by AccurateArms Powder), and bullet (750 grain AMAX Match bullet by Hornady,ballistic coefficient .750). Any conventional computer based ballisticsprogram can then be used to determine bullet drop for thisweapon/ammunition combination, such as, for example, the program writtenby W. R. Frenchu entitled “Ballistic V.4.0” which was copyrighted 1988and is based upon Ingalls' table, or “Ballistic Explorer for Windows,”sold by Oehler Research of Austin, Tex., and range values for secondaryhorizontal cross-hairs and cross-wind offset values for secondaryvertical cross-hairs calculated manually.

The first step requires the user to zero the selected weapon by firingat a target of known size at a known distance from the muzzle of thegun. For example, if the user decides to zero the weapon at 500 yards, atarget of known size is placed exactly 500 yards away (preferably usinga measuring device, such as a steel tape, to be certain the distance isaccurate), and typically 3-5 shots are fired at the target using theintersection of the primary horizontal and primary vertical cross-hairsas the aiming point. If a 5 inch (or smaller) group in the center of thetarget is produced, the rifle is zeroed. If the group is significantlylarger, there may be a problem with the rifle, the ammunition, orexisting weather conditions. If the group is correctly sized, but above,below, to the right or to the left of center of the bullseye, thewindage and elevation knobs of the target acquisition device areadjusted and the process repeated until the group is centered as desiredusing the intersection of the primary horizontal and primary verticalcross-hairs as the aiming point. Once the target acquisition device andfirearm has been zeroed, there will be no further need to change thewindage and elevation knobs of the target acquisition device, since auser can simply select the correct aiming point for the range to atarget by using the reticle markings.

Next, the shooter “calibrates” or assigns values to the cross-hairmarkings on the reticle. See, e.g., FIG. 5, which provides a table witha zero at 500 yards. Other tables can be calculated with zero values atother ranges. 500 yards has been selected here solely for the purposesof illustration. To assist the shooter in understanding how to manually“calibrate” the reticle, a worksheet, such as that illustrated in FIG. 6can be used.

Next, the shooter can select the size of the bullseye (or target area)to be hit using a reticle of the present invention. For example, aselected bullseye could be 6 inches in diameter, 10 inches in diameter,12 inches, 36 inches, 48 inches etc. A hit anywhere in the bullseyecounts as a direct hit. For the purposes of this example, a 12 inchbullseye from a range of point blank to 1000 yards and a 36 inchbullseye from 1100 yards to 1650 yards were used.

When the shooter sees the reticle through the eyepiece, the secondaryhorizontal cross-hairs can be seen. In this example, the cross-hairs areevenly spaced 2.5 inches of angle apart. Thus, the spacing between theprimary horizontal cross-hair 22 shown in FIG. 2, and the firstsecondary horizontal cross-hair below the primary horizontal cross-hair22 is 2.5 inches of angle. The spacing between the primary horizontalcross-hair 22 and the secondary horizontal cross-hair labeled “5” is 15inches of angle. This means that adjacent cross-hairs would span a 2.5inch target at 100 yards. The space between the primary horizontalcross-hair and the secondary horizontal cross-hair labeled “5” wouldcover a 15 inch target at 100 yards. At 200 yards, adjacent cross-hairswill span a target of 5 inches, and the space between the primaryhorizontal cross-hair and the secondary cross-hair labeled “5” wouldcover a 30 inch target. At 600 yards, adjacent cross-hairs will span atarget of 15 inches, the space between the primary horizontal cross-hairand the secondary horizontal cross-hair labeled “5” would cover a 90inch target, and so on. As can be seen, there is a linear relationshipbetween the inches of angle scale and the range to the target in yards.

Using a table such as that shown in FIG. 5, and a worksheet, such asthat shown in FIG. 6, the shooter can “calibrate” a target acquisitiondevice of the present invention for the particular firearm andammunition selected. For this example, a 500 yard zero table wasselected for purposes of illustration. Therefore, the shooter marks theprimary horizontal cross-hair 22 on the worksheet with the number 500(e.g., if the target were exactly 500 yards down range, the shooterwould select an aiming point along the primary horizontal cross-hair 22to hit the target). The range value of the first secondary horizontalcross-hair below the primary horizontal cross-hair can then becalculated. Estimating a value of between 600 and 700 yards, the shootercan determine the closest value by calculating the inches of angle at600 and 700 yards (which corresponds to bullet drop)

${\frac{2.5\mspace{14mu}{inches}\mspace{14mu}{of}\mspace{14mu}{angle}}{100\mspace{14mu}{yards}} \times 600\mspace{14mu}{yards}} = {15.10\mspace{14mu}{inches}\mspace{14mu}{of}\mspace{14mu}{angle}}$${\frac{2.5\mspace{14mu}{inches}\mspace{14mu}{of}\mspace{14mu}{angle}}{100\mspace{14mu}{yards}} \times 700\mspace{14mu}{yards}} = {17.50\mspace{14mu}{inches}\mspace{14mu}{of}\mspace{14mu}{angle}}$These calculated values are matched with the values shown in theselected Ingalls table (in this example, the 500 yard zero table shownin FIG. 5). The 600 yard range on the table shows a trajectory of 18.4inches. The 700 yard range on the table shows a trajectory of −44.6inches. Since the calculated bullet drop at the first secondaryhorizontal marker is 15.1 inches, and this most closely correlates withthe trajectory shown in the Ingalls table for 600 yards (−18.4 inches),the first secondary horizontal cross-hair below the primary horizontalcross-hair is marked on the worksheet as 600 yards. Although the actualbullet impact should be 3.3 inches below the dead center of the 12 inchdiameter bulls eye (18.4−15.1=3.3), this is close enough since a hit isconsidered to be anything within the 12 inch bulls eye.

The shooter can then repeat this process to calibrate the reticle forevery secondary horizontal cross-hair below the primary horizontalcross-hair. The results in this example, shown in FIG. 7, can be used toshoot at any target within a range up to 1700 yards. Longer ranges canalso be calibrated using a zero table for a longer range (e.g., anythingfrom a 600 yard zero table to a 2500 yard zero table). Once theworksheet is completed, it can be cut out and taped, for example, to thestock of the shooter's firearm or carried by the shooter for easyreference.

Alternatively, the shooter can locate the secondary horizontalcross-hair to use for an aiming point for a specific range. For example,using the same 500 yard zero chart found in FIG. 5, if the shooterwishes to hit a target at 1100 yards, she estimates two or threesecondary horizontal cross-hairs which should bracket the correctsecondary horizontal cross-hair to use as an aiming point. The shooterguesses the correct cross-hair is between the cross-hair identified as 6and the cross-hair identified as 8. She then performs the samecalculation:

${{Cross}\text{-}{hair}\mspace{14mu}{\# 6}\text{:}\mspace{14mu}\frac{20\mspace{14mu}{inches}\mspace{14mu}{of}\mspace{14mu}{angle}}{100\mspace{14mu}{yards}} \times 1100\mspace{14mu}{yards}} = {220\mspace{14mu}{inches}\mspace{14mu}{of}\mspace{14mu}{angle}}$${{Cross}\text{-}{hair}\mspace{14mu}{\# 7}\text{:}\mspace{14mu}\frac{25\mspace{14mu}{inches}\mspace{14mu}{of}\mspace{14mu}{angle}}{100\mspace{14mu}{yards}} \times 1100\mspace{14mu}{yards}} = {275\mspace{14mu}{inches}\mspace{14mu}{of}\mspace{14mu}{angle}}$${{Cross}\text{-}{hair}\mspace{14mu}{\# 8}\text{:}\mspace{14mu}\frac{30\mspace{14mu}{inches}\mspace{14mu}{of}\mspace{14mu}{angle}}{100\mspace{14mu}{yards}} \times 1100\mspace{14mu}{yards}} = {330\mspace{14mu}{inches}\mspace{14mu}{of}\mspace{14mu}{angle}}$Looking at the 500 yard table, the bullet drop at 1100 yards is 247inches. This looks fairly close to mid-way between. To double check thisestimate, the shooter can run the calculation for the unlabeledsecondary horizontal cross-hair between cross-hair 6 and cross-hair 7,which is located 22.5 inches of angle below the primary horizontalcross-hair:

${\frac{22.5\mspace{14mu}{inches}\mspace{14mu}{of}\mspace{14mu}{angle}}{100\mspace{14mu}{yards}} \times 1100\mspace{14mu}{yards}} = {247.5\mspace{14mu}{inches}\mspace{14mu}{of}\mspace{14mu}{angle}}$This value most closely approximates the trajectory according to the 500yard zero Ingalls table used for this example, and, if used shouldcorrespond to a point exactly 0.5 inches off dead center.

Once the target acquisition device has been calibrated for the weaponand ammunition specified, the shooter can test the calculated valuesagainst actual performance at a range. The values generated usingcomputer projections, ballistic tables and calculations are only aguide; however, they should be quite close to actual performance. It ispreferred that the final range value assigned to each secondaryhorizontal cross-hair should be based on an actual line firing test ofthe selected weapon and ammunition at various ranges. A minimum of threeshots should be used for the final confirmation of the estimated values.

Computer Calibration of the Target Acquisition Device and Reticle

In comparison to manual calibration of the target acquisition device andreticle, it is easier, and therefore preferable to use a ballisticscalculator programs of the present invention, for example the “TRAG1Sprogram” family, the “ATRAG program” family, and other TRAG programswhich are available from Horns Vision, LLC, 659 Huntington Ave, SanBruno, Calif. 94066, to calculate accurate values for the cross-hairsand all secondary lines of the reticle of the present invention or, forexample, to identify a single firing solutions for a given target, usinga personal computer, monitor and printer, firearm and cartridge, scopeand reticle, and peripheral devices (for example, laser rangefinders,weather monitoring devices, global positioning systems, etc.), thecombination of which is hereinafter refer to as a “ballistics calculatorsystem.” This program is a modified version of the Ballistics programwritten by William C. Davis of Tioga Engineering which has been adaptedto directly calculate values for a reticle of the present invention, inaddition to values for conventional reticles, and to run on anycomputational device, including Windows-based PC's or personal digitalassistant (“PDA”). The program is preferably loaded into internal memoryaccessible by the device, such as, for example, by installing it on ahard drive. In one embodiment, the program is provided on a floppy disc,CD, DVD, ROM chip, or other similar device which is accessible by thecontroller. In a further embodiment, for PDA type devices, the programis installed on internal memory, or stored on a plug-in device (such asan insertable ROM chip or memory stick).

As used herein, the terms “computer memory” and “computer memory device”refer to any storage media readable by a computer processor. Examples ofcomputer memory include, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, computerchips, digital video disc (DVDs), compact discs (CDs), hard disk drives(HDD), and magnetic tape.

As used herein, the term “computer readable medium” refers to any deviceor system for storing and providing information (e.g., data andinstructions) to a computer processor. Examples of computer readablemedia include, but are not limited to, DVDs, CDs, hard disk drives,memory chip, magnetic tape and servers for streaming media overnetworks.

As used herein, the terms “processor” and “central processing unit” or“CPU” are used interchangeably and refer to a device that is able toread a program from a computer memory (e.g., ROM or other computermemory) and perform a set of steps according to the program.

In one embodiment, the process begins, as explained in detail above, byzeroing the weapon. In a further embodiment, the shooter may begin atany point in the program, or allow the program to determine the zeropoint. Once the weapon has been zeroed at a known range, the program isstarted. FIGS. 16a and 16b illustrate the data which is input, and thetargeting information which is output, and which enables the calibrationof the cross-hairs of a reticle of the present invention.

Information Regarding External Conditions

For the PC-based version of this Program, as shown in FIG. 16a ,information regarding external factors are requested by the system andinput by the user in response to each query as it appears on the monitorscreen. In one embodiment, data is entered into the system using anyconventional input device linked to the system, such as a keyboard,mouse, touch-screen and the like. In a further embodiment, a voicerecognition system using a microphone and appropriate software forconverting the spoken words to data is used to input data. In yet afurther embodiment, cabled or wireless means from other measuringdevices and sources is used to input data, for example Bluetooth™. In apreferred embodiment, instruments for data input, for example theKestrel handheld device or similar handheld, laptop or desktop device,handheld global positioning system (GPS) or similar device, Leica Vector4 rangefinder or similar device, and the like, are integrated with thecomputing device in such a way as to allow input data items to be madeavailable to the ballistic program. In some embodiments, a directconnection is made between the external instruments and the calculator.In some embodiments, the information is passed via transmission, thatis, partially or totally wireless (e.g., radio, satellite, etc.) or IRbeaming. In some embodiments, the calculator is an integrated into theexternal device. The calculator and or any of the other associateddevices may be provided in any form, including, but not limited to,computer, handheld device, traditional calculator, wristwatch, gun,visor, phone, video monitor, etc.

The first screen in this embodiment requests the user to select fromfour possibilities for atmospheric conditions: (1) “Army Standard Metro”sea-level atmosphere (temperature=59 degrees Fahrenheit, atmosphericpressure=29.53 inches of mercury, and relative humidity=78 percent); (2)“ICAO Standard” sea-level atmosphere (temperature=59 degrees Fahrenheit,atmospheric pressure=29.92 inches of mercury and relativehumidity=zero); (3) actual altitude and temperature at the shooting site(if known); or (4) actual barometric pressure, relative humidity, andtemperature at the shooting site (if known). The program is modifiableto request additional information, and to expand or contract theoptions. The most accurate information which can be provided by theshooter is the actual barometric pressure, relative humidity andtemperature at the shooting site. Altitude and temperature at theshooting site are used by the program to estimate a barometric pressureand relative humidity, and may be more accurate than either of the twostandard conditions choices.

The system next requests the user to input information regardingwind-speed in miles per hour, meters per second, kilometers per hour, orknots per hour. Once this information has been input, the systemrequests the user to input wind direction (the clock position from theline of fire). Thus, if the wind is perpendicular to the line of fireand traveling from the shooter's right to the shooter's left, the winddirection would be “3” for the 3 o'clock position. If traveling in theopposite direction, the wind direction would be “9” for the 9 o'clockposition. In a further embodiment, wind direction data is input by asystem based on a 360 degree circle, with the number of degreesincreasing in a clockwise direction around the shooter. For example, ifthe wind is perpendicular to the line of fire and traveling from theshooter's right to the shooter's left, the wind direction would be 90degrees. Wind speed and direction is used by the system to calculate theappropriate adjustment to the aiming point at any effective range (thatis, the number of vertical cross-hairs from the primary verticalcross-hair the aiming point will be offset into to wind so that thebullet will hit the target when it travels downrange).

Information Regarding the Firearm being Used:

The next query requests information for one or more of the rate anddirection of barrel twist (that is, right or left), barrel length,internal barrel diameter, and internal barrel caliber. Spin drift is aforce exerted on a spinning body traveling through the air due to unevenair pressure at the surface of the object due to its spinning. Thiseffect causes a baseball to curve when a pitcher imparts a spin to thebaseball as he hurls it toward a batter. To compensate for spin drift,the targeting program of the present invention can be modified to posequeries regarding the rifle twist characteristics, that is, thedirection of twist in revolutions per unit barrel length, and thediameter of the bullet. In one embodiment, the firearm trigger iselectronic and integrated with the ballistics calculator system.

Information Regarding the Cartridge Being Used

The next query requests textual information for identifying the type ofprojectile to be used. This information is not used in the calculations,but is printed out on the targeting grid so that the targeting grid forone projectile can be distinguished from subsequent targeting gridsproduced for other types of projectile. This information may be importeddirectly from a stored the gun list.

The next query, for example, requests the weight of the projectile ingrains. This information is typically found on the box in which theammunition or projectiles are packaged, or it can be found in ballisticsmanuals, by checking the projectile manufacturer's product literature,or by the shooter physically weighing the projectile. The program can bemodified to accept any other unit of weight as well, and information,such as the weight of the projectile for standard cartridges canalternatively be stored in memory and automatically retrieved by theprogram when the user selects a standard, defined cartridge.

The next query requests the ballistic coefficient of the projectiles. Ina further embodiment, the program can be modified to accept 2 or moreballistic coefficients for the same projectile. The BallisticCoefficient (BC) can be entered as a value provided by the projectilemanufacturer, for example this information is typically found on the boxin which the ammunition or projectiles are packaged. Or the BC may beavailable from directly from the manufacturer or with reference to amanual. In one embodiment, the ballistics calculator system may accessthis information through a bar code imprinted on the ammunition box, ordirectly on the ammunition. However, this value may not always beavailable. In this circumstance, the BC can, for example, be determinedby shooting the projectiles in known conditions and entering theobserved impact of the bullet in relation to the point of aim. By takingthe distance the gun is “zeroed” at, and measuring the “drop” of impactwhen shooting at another known distance, the values can be recalculatedthrough algebra to derive the BC for the round used. The “drop” can, forexample, be measured either by measuring the distance on the targetdirectly with a ruler, or by observing and measuring through a reticlewith known uniform hash marks. In a further embodiment, the informationis stored in memory and automatically retrieved by the program when theuser selects a standard, defined cartridge.

The next query requests the muzzle velocity of the projectile. Muzzlevelocity (MV) is a function of the projectile's characteristics (forexample, projectile weight, shape, composition, construction, design,etc.), the kind, quality and amount propellant used in the cartridgecase, and the primer. Muzzle velocity is also a function of the barrellength of the firearm, such that the longer the barrel length, thegreater the muzzle velocity. MV can, for example, be entered as a valueprovided by the projectile manufacturer typically found on the box inwhich the ammunition is packaged, or in the manufacturer's catalog, orfor custom cartridges, standard cartridges, or to confirm the providedvalue, MV can, for example, be determined or checked experimentallyusing conventional equipment for measuring muzzle velocity.

The ballistic calculator of the present invention compensates forchanging MV in relation to ambient air temperature by allowing entry ofcorresponding temperature/MV pairs into a numeric table. Using this datatable, the ballistic calculator system is able to interpret the closestMV for the currently measured air temperature. Current air temperaturesbetween any two pairs is interpolated proportionally between thecorresponding MVs. Air temperatures outside of the lowest and highesttemperature entries in the table is interpolated by extending the valueslope of the last two end-points of the table. In a further embodiment,the information is stored in memory and automatically retrieved by theprogram when the user selects a standard, defined cartridge.

Information Regarding the Target Acquisition Device and Reticle beingUsed

As shown in FIG. 16b , once the external factors have all been entered,the system queries the user to enter information regarding the targetacquisition device and reticle used. The first query requests the userto input the height of the target acquisition device above the bore ofthe gun. This is typically the distance between the optical center ofthe target acquisition device and the center of the gun barrel. Theprogram can, for example, be modified to accept inputs in inches,centimeters, or any other conventional unit of measure. In oneembodiment, the user inputs the type of target acquisition device andreticle, power of magnification, and plane of function. The final queryrequests the user to enter the range in yards, meters or other measureof distance at which the target acquisition device was zeroed for usewith a specific firearm and projectile (i.e., the range at which thetarget acquisition device was “sighted” at zero for a specific firearmand cartridge). In one embodiment of the present invention, the targetacquisition device of the present invention, and target acquisitiondevices used by spotters assisting the shooter, are for example,gyroscopically or electronically stabilized, collectively orindependently, for image quality.

Information Regarding the Shooter

In one embodiment, the ballistics calculator system queries the user toinput the shooter's eyesight acuity and idiosyncrasies, heart rate andrhythm, respiratory rate, blood oxygen saturation, muscle activity (asmeasured by the electromyogram), and brain wave activity (as measured bythe electroencephalogram), or other physiologic variable. Input of thisinformation may be automatic by continuous transducers affixed to thesurface area of the shooter and integrated with the ballisticscalculator by wire or in a wireless format. In this fashion, theballistics calculator system indicates to the shooter the time to shootwith optimal accuracy taking into account, for example, movementartifact from ventilation, cardiac performance, or tremor fromexcitement or fatigue. In one embodiment, movement artifact of theshooter is corrected by the ballistics calculator system usingstabilization of the target acquisition device. In a preferredembodiment, the ballistics calculator system of the present inventionuses an indirect or, for example, electronic, trigger, wherein the shotis not taken immediately after the shooter pulls the trigger, orotherwise indicates readiness to take the shot, but firing is delayeduntil the system, using Artificial Intelligence, integrates informationregarding the shooter and other target alignment information to optimizethe probability of success in striking the target.

In a further embodiment, the ballistics calculator system queries theuser for the number and positional coordinates of third person spotters(i.e., other than the shooter and a target). In an additionalembodiment, the ballistics calculator system automatically queries otherunits to determine the number, location and type of third personspotters and devices. In another embodiment, one or more spottersassisting one or more shooters use target acquisition devices withreticles of the present invention, with the spotter's target acquisitiondevice not attached to the shooter's firearm. The spotting targetacquisition device can, for example, be used in conjunction with thetarget acquisition device on the firearm, or it can, for example, beused independently. In one embodiment, the shooter and spotters useidentical target acquisition device reticles. The target acquisitiondevices and reticles used by shooters and spotters may be fixed orvariable power. In a preferred embodiment, the spotting information andaiming points are projected on reticles shared by the shooter andspotters. In yet another embodiment, multiple shooters and spottersshare optical or electronically linked target acquisition devices andreticles.

Information Regarding the Relation of the Shooter and the Target

In one embodiment, the ballistics calculator system queries the user forinformation regarding the range or distance from the shooter to thetarget. For example, the shooter may enter a distance estimated byreference to a rangefinder on the reticle of the present invention. In afurther embodiment, the distance from the shooter to the target isprovided by a peripheral device, for example a laser rangefinder. Inanother embodiment, the distance from the shooter to the target isprovided by spotters assisting the shooter, by the use of a topographicmap, or by triangulation.

The next query asks the user to input any slope information, that is,the angle from 0 to 90 degrees up or down between the shooter andtarget, that is, the vertical angle when the shooter is shooting uphillor downhill. This information is used to adjust the downrange aimingpoint based on the projectile's flight through space from the point offiring to target. As can be appreciated, the distance to a target at asloped angle is somewhat longer than the horizontal distance to a targetthe same distance from the shooter at the same level at the same level,and typically requires the shooter to raise or lower the barrel of thefirearm relative to an axis perpendicular to the force of gravity. Asshown in FIG. 20, a shooter aiming downhill lowers the barrel 38relative to the perpendicular axis 50 forming an angle α, which is the“downhill” angle. As will be understood, when the shooter raises thebarrel 38 above the perpendicular axis 50 (for example, when shooting ata target located above the shooter), the angle formed between theperpendicular axis 50 and the barrel 38 will be an “uphill” angle. The“uphill” or “downhill” angle can, for example, be measured using aclinometer, a simple protractor, a Leica Vector 4 or similar devicewhich provides the up or down angle to the target in degrees, or it can,for example, be estimated by a skilled shooter.

For very long range shooting (e.g., from 1000 to 3000 yards or more), itmay be desirable to modify the targeting program to compensate forCoriolis effect and spin drift. The Coriolis effect is caused by therotation of the earth. The Coriolis effect is an inertial forcedescribed by the 19th-century French engineer-mathematicianGustave-Gaspard Coriolis in 1835. Coriolis showed that, if the ordinaryNewtonian laws of motion of bodies are to be used in a rotating frame ofreference, an inertial force—acting to the right of the direction ofbody motion for counterclockwise rotation of the reference frame or tothe left for clockwise rotation—must be included in the equations ofmotion. The effect of the Coriolis force is an apparent deflection ofthe path of an object that moves within a rotating coordinate system.The object does not actually deviate from its path, but it appears to doso because of the motion of the coordinate system. While the effect ofthe earth's movement while a bullet is in flight is negligible for shortand medium range shots, for longer range shots the Coriolis effect maycause the shooter to miss. To compensate for Coriolis Effect, thetargeting program of the present invention ca, for example, be modifiedto additionally pose queries regarding the hemisphere in which theshooter is located (Northern or Southern), the latitude of the firearm,the longitude of the firearm, or the direction of fire in degreesclockwise from true North. The latitude of the gun and hemisphere can,for example, be determined manually using a topographic map of the areain which the shooter is located, or automatically using a GPS device.With these inputs, and the range to target, the offset required by theCoriolis effect is factored in by the ballistics program whendetermining the aiming point for hitting the target.

Finally, the system queries the user to indicate whether the target ismoving or not relative to the shooter, or whether the shooter is moving.If the target is moving, the system asks the user to indicate thetarget's direction of travel, and then to estimate the speed of thetarget. This information is used to calculate a lead adjustment in theaiming point so that the user can hold the correct aiming point on themoving target so as to discharge the bullet towards the place where thetarget will be when the bullet arrives (assuming the target does notunexpectedly change direction or speed). For example, the speed of amoving target can be estimated, or the speed of a moving target can becalculated using the ballistics calculator system, and entered into theballistic calculator by a skilled shooter. Or the speed can, forexample, be estimated by taking inputs of known range of observedobject, number of uniform hash marks within a reticle, the estimatedlinear worth of each individual hash mark at the distance of theobserved object, and the number of seconds the observed object takes totransverse the number of hack marks, and using algebra to derive anapproximate speed of the observed object expressed in distance traveledover time.

In some embodiments, the user's movement is measured or input into thecalculator. Such information can be tracked, for example, by a GPS orrelated device. Likewise, where the user is in a vehicle (car,helicopter, plane, etc.), information about the speed, direction,acceleration, deceleration, position, etc. of the vehicle may be enteredor directly input from the vehicle to the calculator.

Computer Calculation of Targeting Grid for Cross-Hairs

Once the inputs are complete, the program computes solutions which, forexample, are in the form of an electronic range card which provides acalibration for the horizontal cross-hairs of a reticle of the presentinvention for range, and provides the necessary off-set information forcross-wind and/or target movement. The range of a target may be derivedfrom knowing the approximate size of the target, and measuring it withknown uniform hash marks within a reticle. Geometry can, for example, bementally calculated by an experienced shooter and entered into theballistic calculator, or the values may be entered into the ballisticcalculator itself and an estimated range will be automatically computed.In one embodiment, this computation compensates for viewing the targetat an angle as the size of an observed object when viewed from an angleis skewed as opposed to viewing the same object directly. In someembodiments, a pattern recognition program is used to determine theidentity of the target and directly input size or distance informationinto the calculator. In other embodiments, size and distance informationof the target is determined by a pattern recognition program used tolook up a common object size table. In alternative embodiments, thenature of the target (e.g., type of animal) is selected from a menu andthe calculator determines distance by estimating the size of the targetbased on a database of average sizes for the selected target and imageinformation obtained from the target acquisition device (e.g.,boundaries of the target and device settings).

In one embodiment, the targeting grid is displayed conventionally on acomputer display screen. In a further embodiment the targeting grid istransmitted to other devices. In a still further embodiment, thetargeting grid is printed out and taken by the shooter to the range.

For example, the targeting grid shown in FIG. 17a was produced inresponse to the following inputs:

Altitude=1500 (ft above sea level)

Temperature=82 (degrees F.)

Windspeed=10 (mph)

Wind Direction=3 (o'clock)

Slope=0 degrees (a horizontal shot wherein the shooter an target are atthe same level)

Target Moving=no

Height of sight above bore=1.9 (inches, center-to-center)

Cartridge information=.300 Win Mag Federal Gold Medal

Bullet Weight=190 (grains)

Ballistic Coefficient=.533

Muzzle velocity=2960 (feet per second)

Sight-in range=100 (yards)

As can be seen from FIG. 17a , the range for each horizontal cross-hairfrom the primary horizontal cross-hair is identified, as is the amountof horizontal adjustment to be made at each horizontal cross-hair tocompensate for cross-wind at that range, to the left or the right (asappropriate) from the primary vertical cross-hair.

A more complex situation is illustrated by FIG. 17b , which is the sameexample as shown in FIG. 17a except that now information regarding theslope of the area over which the bullet will travel has been input (15degrees). As can be seen, the program has adjusted the range values foreach horizontal cross-hair to compensate for the bullet's travel at asloped angle (the hypotenuse of a triangle) as opposed to level sightedflight (the base of a triangle). Thus, horizontal cross-hair 5 of FIG.17a has been assigned a range of 789 yards for a flat shot, whilehorizontal cross-hair 5 of FIG. 17b (15 degree slope) has been assigneda range of 805 yards.

FIG. 17c illustrates an example in which all inputs are the same asshown for FIG. 17 a, except information regarding a moving target hasbeen input. In this example, the target is moving an estimated 4 milesper hour. The lead adjustment has been calculated by the program foreach horizontal cross-hair, and is shown in tabular form in the far leftcolumn of FIG. 17c . The final adjustment is determined by the user byadding the wind adjustment to the lead adjustment if the wind and targetare moving in opposite directions (i.e., the target is moving into thewind), or by subtracting the wind from the lead adjustment if the windand target are moving in the same direction (i.e., target moving withthe wind). Thus, for example, if the target is spotted at a range of 962yards, and the wind is traveling from right to left and the target istraveling from left to right, the wind adjustment is added to the leadadjustment, to obtain the aiming point identified as “AP1”. If the windand target are moving together (i.e., wind and target both moving fromright to left), the wind adjustment is subtracted from to the leadadjustment to obtain the aiming point identified as “AP2”.

As noted above, for example, once the targeting grid has been createdand displayed by the system, the user is again presented with options:(1) print out the targeting grid; (2) enter new atmospheric data; (3)identify a specific aiming point on the reticle for a target at aspecific range; or (4) quit. For example, in one embodiment with presentsoftware, if the user decides to print out the targeting grid, the onlyremaining option is to quit. If it is desired to create additionaltargeting grids, the program can be started again. However, in oneembodiment, the user is able to modify the software to allow the user togo back after printing out a targeting grid and exercise any of theother options. If the user enters new atmospheric data based upon a newshooting position, the data regarding the weapon and ammunition isretained in the calculations. If the option to identify the aiming pointis selected, for example, the user is queried to input the range to aspecific target. Once the range is input, an image of the reticle isdisplayed by the computer with the suggested aiming point marked (see,e.g., FIGS. 19a-19c ). The user can, for example, then select the optionto find another aiming point (for a new target at a different range), orcan, for example, quit the program. In one embodiment, the output is inthe form of digital words played through a speaker. In a preferredembodiment, multiple shooting solutions are stored in computer readablemedia, and the solutions presented back to the shooter in the order theshooter chooses. This makes for rapid target engagement without havingto reenter various combinations of information inputs between shots.

As can be seen from FIGS. 17a, 17b and 17c for example, the targetinggrid software has greatly simplified the process of calibrating a scopecontaining a reticle of the present invention for specific conditions atthe range or field, and for the firearm. The primary disadvantage ofthis system is that personal computers are not very portable. Manyshooters do not wish to lug even small laptops around while shooting,where they can be subjected to harsh conditions of weather, accidents,and dust. Accordingly, the data compiled before the user goes to therange to shoot may change by the time the shooter arrives at the range.If external conditions change during the interim, the predicted rangescorrelated to the horizontal cross-hairs may not be as accurate as theywould be if external conditions were measured and input at the rangejust prior to shooting.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, the present invention providesmodified ballistics software to adapt it for use with a Personal DigitalAssistant (PDA) type, hand-held computing device, such as, for example,the Palm Pilot (Palm Pilot is a registered trademark of Palm, Inc.),Compaq, Hewlett-Packard, Casio, Sony, Motorola, or Nokia devices. Theselow cost, simple-to-use devices are particularly useful because, unlikea Windows PC, the device can be turned off while the program is active,and when the device is turned back on, the user is returned to thescreen that was active at the time the device was turned off. Thisenables the user to make inputs and turn the device off while moving toa new location. In addition, PDAs are presently available whichincorporate cellular modem technology which enable remote access toemail and the internet, and infrared reception and transmissioncapability to enable the remote exchange of data between similardevices, or between the PDA and another device capable of receiving orsending data to the PDA via an IR beam. PDAs also communicate with eachother and other devices using IR and other wireless technology using,for example, radio frequency (RF), Bluetooth™, USB, or Serial. Suchdevices enable the user to access accurate meteorological and other datafrom the Internet, or from other devices remotely (e.g., from the range,without the need for cabling). Accordingly, the term “PDA” or “PersonalDigital Assistant” as used herein means any small, portable computingdevice which can be programmed to receive the necessary data inputs andcalculate the targeting information described herein, regardless ofwhether, for example, such devices are viewed commercially as cellulartelephones with computing capability, or as hand-held computers withcellular capability.

In one embodiment, the PDAs of the present invention are powered by arechargeable battery. In other embodiments, the PDAs of the presentinvention are powered by other sources for generating the necessarypower for the device, including photovoltaic panels, commerciallyavailable alkaline and similar batteries, manually driven generators,and chemical cells. In a further embodiment, the ballistic calculatorsystems of the present invention are shielded from electro-magneticfrequency radiation. The PDA targeting program has also been adapted foruse in conjunction with a reticle of the present invention as well asfor use with conventional reticle/target acquisition device combinationswhich are conventionally adjusted for a specific shot by turningelevation and windage knobs a specified number of clicks. The PDAtargeting program preferably allows the user to select inputs anddisplayed aiming information to be in English or Metric units, or bothwith use of the “Delta Feature”. In a preferred embodiment, data onstandard target sizes to be used as a reference for target rangeestimation is stored in memory, and used to assist the shooter indetermining the range to the target. In further embodiments, data onstandard munitions and their specific performance characteristics arestored in memory and made retrievable by the targeting program or by theuser.

As before, it is desired to zero the weapon at a predetermined range andto adjust the target acquisition device so that the primary cross-hairis the aiming point for the “sight-in” range. Once this has been done,and the user has verified that the firearm is producing satisfactorygroups of shots at selected sight-in range, the PDA targeting programcan, for example, be activated.

In one embodiment, the targeting program is selected by tapping thetargeting program icon on the “home” screen. The user chooses the typeof target acquisition device/measurement system being used (conventionalscopes with range/windage adjustments, or a target acquisition devicefitted with a reticle of the present invention), or the program can beprovided as a dedicated program for use with a particular targetacquisition device/measurement system. If a conventional scope isselected, the output will identify the number of “clicks” needed toadjust the elevation and windage knobs on the scope to properly positionthe cross-hair of the conventional scope to hit the target. If a targetacquisition device using a reticle of the present invention is selected,the output will identify the position of the aiming point on thereticle. In one embodiment, the aiming information provided isnumerical. In a further embodiment, aiming information is provided as agraphical depiction of the reticle being used with the exact aimingpoint identified, as is presently possible with the TRAG1S5 version forwindows-based PCs. In a preferred embodiment, the screen allows the userto select inputs and displayed information in English or Metric units.

Once the type of target acquisition device has been identified, the PDAtargeting program asks for five parameters as shown in FIG. 18a : (1)bore height (the distance between the firearm barrel and the targetacquisition device, center-to-center in inches); (2) projectile weight(in grains); (3) projectile ballistic coefficient(s); (4) sight-in range(the range at which the target acquisition device and firearm werezeroed, in yards); and (5) projectile muzzle velocity. The programpositions the blinking cursor in the field where the first number is tobe entered. The numbers, a period, an “enter” key and a “quit” key aredisplayed below the four queries. The bore height is entered by tappingthe appropriate number and tapping the “enter” key on the display. Theblinking cursor then appears in the second field (or the user taps thesecond field to position the cursor there), and the number correspondingto the projectile weight is tapped and the “enter” key tapped. Theblinking cursor then appears in the third field and then the fourthfield (or the user taps the third or fourth field to position the cursorthere), and the number corresponding to the ballistic coefficient andsight-in range is tapped and the “enter” key is tapped. Finally, theblinking cursor appears in the fifth field (or the user taps the fourthfield to position the cursor there), and the number corresponding to themuzzle velocity is tapped and the “enter” key is tapped. All fiveparameters are displayed and an “OK” button is displayed. The user canthen review the five parameters, and if they are correct, the “OK”button is tapped. If the parameters are not correct, the “QUIT” buttonis tapped, the user can start over by reentering the correct parameters.

When the “OK” button is tapped, a second screen, shown in FIG. 18b isdisplayed by the PDA which allows the user to select the kind ofatmospheric data to be input using four choices: (1) “Army StandardMetro” sea-level atmosphere; (2) “ICAO Standard” sea-level atmosphere;(3) altitude and temperature at the shooting site; or (4) actualbarometric pressure, temperature and relative humidity at the shootingsite (if known). As described in more detail above, the fourth optionproduces the most accurate result. While it is clearly possible toprovide other choices, such as the standard conditions offered in thePC-based TRAG1S5 program described above, the small size of the PDAscreen makes it desirable to keep each screen as compact as possible,consistent with obtaining reasonably accurate results. When theappropriate selection is made, another screen is displayed which allowsthe user to input the selected atmospheric data. If the user chooses“altitude and temperature,” the altitude is entered in feet above sealevel, and temperature is entered in degrees Fahrenheit. If the userchooses “barometric pressure, temperature, and relative humidity,” thescreen shown in FIG. 18c appears and the unadjusted barometric pressureis preferably input as inches of mercury, temperature is preferablyinput in degrees Fahrenheit, and relative humidity is preferably inputas a percentage. In a further embodiment, barometric pressure,temperature and relative humidity are entered in metric units.Conventional hand-held weather meters, such as, for example, theKESTREL® Pocket Weather Tracker manufactured by the Nielsen-KellermanCo., Inc., and similar devices, can measure temperature, humidity,barometric pressure, altitude, density altitude, wind-speed, etc. Suchhand-held meters may be modified to allow them to be electronicallylinked (either by cable or by conventional wireless means, IR ormicrowave, etc.) to the PDA to allow for automatic measurement and inputof these elements as needed. Such devices can, for example, beintegrated as well with wristwatches with GPS units and similar devices.

Muzzle velocity found on the cartridge box, or measured in the field byuse of a chronograph, or in the manufacturer's manuals, can be adjusted,if desired, based on temperature to produce a more accurate result.Since a projectile typically travels faster than the speed of sound, itcreates a shock wave which induces drag on the bullet. Because the airis denser at low temperatures, and less dense at high temperatures,induced drag is higher at low temperatures, and lower at hightemperatures. Accordingly, if it feels very cold to the shooter at therange, the published muzzle velocity of some types of cartridges can bereduced significantly, and if it feels very hot to the shooter at therange or in the field, the published muzzle velocity of some types ofcartridges can be increased significantly. Muzzle velocity andtemperature are entered by tapping MV in the first screen generating,for example, the display:

Temp (degrees Fahrenheit) MV (feet per second) 40 2510 59 2610 106 2810Again, the atmospheric inputs are displayed, and the user clicks the“OK” button if all are correct and the user is ready to continue.

As shown in FIG. 18d , the user can then input information on wind speed(in miles, knots or kilometers per hour, or meters per second at themuzzle), the wind direction (in clock position from line of firing or indegrees based on a 360 degree reference circle, for example, 3 o'clockequals 90 degrees), slope the projectile will travel between shooter andtarget (in degrees), and the target speed (in miles per hour, kilometersper hour, meters per second or feet per second). Once the data isentered, an “OK” button appears which the user can tap once the data ischecked and verified for correctness.

As shown in FIG. 18e , the user is now ready to enter the range to anytarget. At this point, the user can turn off the PDA until a target isacquired. Once the target is acquired, the range can be determined usingthe rangefinder on the reticle of the target acquisition device or usingany other desired method, such as by using an electronic rangefinder orGPS device. The PDA is turned on, and the screen shown in FIG. 18eappears. The user simply taps in the distance to the target in eitherEnglish or metric units, and taps “enter”. In a further embodiment, theballistics program accepts range information automatically from anelectronic rangefinder which is either connected to the PDA via cable,IR, or linked using conventional wireless techniques.

As shown in FIG. 18f , if a conventional telescopic gunsight wasinitially selected, the PDA displays the number of clicks the elevationand windage knobs on the scope needed to turned so that the intersectionbetween the vertical and horizontal cross-hairs can be used as theaiming point to hit the target. As shown in FIG. 18g , if a targetacquisition device employing a reticle of the present invention wasinitially selected, the exact position of the aiming point for thistarget on the reticle is identified: horizontal cross-hair is 6.93 (justabove the horizontal cross-hair marked “7”); windage adjustment is 1.89secondary vertical cross-hairs to the left of the primary verticalcross-hair (cross-wind is blowing from 3 o'clock (right to left)) if thetarget is stationary. If the target is moving from right to left (withthe wind), the correct aggregate windage/lead adjustment would be 2.78right (lead)−1.89 left (wind)=0.89 right (or almost one vertical mark tothe right of the primary vertical cross-hair). (See FIG. 19a ). If thetarget is moving from left to right (against the wind) the correctaggregate windage/lead adjustment would be 2.78 left+1.89 left=4.67vertical cross-hairs to the left of the primary vertical cross-hair.(See FIG. 19b ) See FIG. 19a for the reticle showing the correct aimingpoint when the target is moving to the left with a right to left wind,FIG. 19b for the correct aiming point when the target is moving to theright with the same right to left wind, and FIG. 19c for the correctaiming point when the target is stationary, again with the same right toleft wind.

While the method for inputting data into a PDA is typically done bytapping a touch-screen (or connecting the PDA to a PC and inputting datausing various input devices for a PC such as keyboard, mouse,touch-screen, and the like), data can be transferred into the PDAremotely (i.e., without a hard wire connection) using cellulartechnology, Bluetooth™, or infrared beam. In one embodiment, the PDAsare equipped with microphones, speakers or earphones, andvoice-recognition and voice-generation technology to enable inputs andoutputs to be spoken, thus eliminating the need to tap a touch screen,leaving the user's hands free to control the firearm. In anotherembodiment the PDA is linked to receive positioning information from theGlobal Positioning Satellite using a GPS device, or to receiveinformation regarding the azimuth to target in degrees clockwise fromtrue north, slope of the angle of the barrel between the shooter and thetarget, as well as altitude, temperature and barometric pressure, andrange to target by data transmission by a cable link or remote means(such as IR Beam or radio transmitter) from a laser range-finding deviceequipped to measure these factors,

Another advantage of using a PDA-based targeting system such as thatdescribed above, is the ability to input and save the parameters andtargeting output for several targets (for example, sets of data) forinstant recall. This will enable the shooter to determine aiming pointinformation for each one of a group of targets, save the information,for example, on a range card constructed for general use, and then usethe information to quickly and accurately shoot each target in rapidsuccession without having to stop and calculate the aiming pointinformation before each shot. This feature can be particularly usefulwhen the shooter is working with a partner, for example a spotter, whocan, for example, call out aiming point information for each target andthen use a spotting scope to watch the flight of the bullet anddetermine if the aiming point should be adjusted. In one embodiment,multiple aiming dots are determined and stored in RAM before firing. Inan additional embodiment, multiple aiming dots are displayed in thetarget acquisition device, but the appropriate dot illuminates asdirectional sensors in the target acquisition device detect that thetarget acquisition device is pointing to the particular targetrepresented by a specific dot. In yet another embodiment, the targetacquisition device and ballistics calculator system of the presentinvention provide a real-time, mobile aiming dot that automaticallyadjusts for all known factors for the target at the center of thecross-hairs. In a further embodiment, teams of shooters and spotters areelectronically networked through a shared reticle and aiming points.

As noted above, whether the shooter creates a targeting grid or rangecard manually, or uses the PC-based TRAG1S5 program described above, oruses the PDA-based TRAG1S5, TRAG2P OR TRAGMP targeting programs tocalibrate a reticle of the present invention, the targeting informationshould be verified for accuracy by shooting at a range.

Once the reticle has been calibrated as described above, it can be usedin the field to acquire and hit targets of all sizes at long ranges.While the preferred range for the preferred embodiment is at least 500yards to 2500 yards (assuming the firearm/ammunition combinationselected are capable of accurately hitting a target at these ranges), atarget acquisition device of the present invention can be used to hittargets very accurately at shorter ranges, for example 25 to 100 yards,as well as longer ranges, limited only by the capacity of the firearmand the eyesight of the shooter.

A rangefinder, such as that shown in FIG. 2, can, for example, be usedto accurately determine the range to a target whose size is known or canbe estimated. For example, for a 36 inch bull's-eye target placed at anunknown distance from the shooter, the shooter need only align the rightedge of the target with the vertical arm 32 of the rangefinder so thatthe horizontal arm 34 of the rangefinder appears to pass through thecenter of the bull's-eye target. If, for example, the left edge of thetarget extends to the cross-hair corresponding to 6 inches of angle,then the observed size of the target is 6 inches of angle, and the rangeto target is calculated to be:

${{Range}\mspace{14mu}({yards})} = \frac{{target}^{\prime}s\mspace{14mu}{actual}\mspace{14mu}{size}\mspace{14mu}({inches}) \times 100}{{observed}\mspace{14mu}{inches}\mspace{14mu}{of}\mspace{14mu}{angle}\mspace{14mu}{on}\mspace{14mu}{rangefinder}}$or, in this example,

${{Range}\mspace{14mu}({yards})} = {\frac{36 \times 100}{6} = {\frac{3600}{6} = {600\mspace{14mu}{yards}}}}$

As a further example, suppose that the shooter observes a moose in thedistance, eating vegetables from a garden near a house. From acomparison with a door in the house, the shooter estimates the size ofthe moose to be 6 feet at the shoulder. Upon viewing this target in thereticle, the shooter aligns the horizontal arm 34 of the rangefinderwith the ground level upon which the moose is standing, and the verticalarm 32 of the rangefinder with the moose's shoulder. The shooterdetermines that the moose's shoulder touches the cross-hair marked 5.The range can then be calculated as follows:Range=72/5×100=1440 yards

Once range has been determined, the shooter can then determine andselect the appropriate aiming point on the calibrated reticle, withoutthe need for taking his eye off the target, and without the need ofmaking any adjustments to the target acquisition device.

As windage problems downrange, particularly over long ranges, may not beaccurately predicted, even with the help of a PDA-based targeting systemsuch as that described above, the experienced shooter can always use thereticle of the present invention to correct after a shot is observed todrift. As noted above, the secondary vertical cross-hairs may be, forexample, evenly spaced at 1 Mil (which equals 3.6″ at 100 yards), whichprovides a scale for adjusting a second shot towards the target. In afurther embodiment, the reticle of the present invention uses a gridcalibrated at 100 USMC Mils. For example, a 50 cal. bullet is fired at atarget 1500 yards away. The intersection between the primary verticalcross-hair and the secondary horizontal cross-hair identified by number11 is the selected aiming point. The bullet was observed to driftapproximately two secondary vertical cross-hairs to the right of center.To correct for this drift, the shooter need only shift the aiming pointto the intersection between the second vertical cross-hair to the rightof the primary vertical cross-hair and the horizontal cross-hairidentified by number 11, effectively moving the barrel of the weaponleft the appropriate distance to compensate for windage. Likewise, ifthe bullet passes the target too high or too low, the shooter can usethe secondary horizontal markings to adjust for range. For example, ifthe bullet is observed to pass two secondary horizontal markings abovethe selected aiming point when it passes the target, the shooter canquickly adjust by shifting his aiming point up two secondary horizontalcross-hairs, thus depressing the barrel of the firearm.

If it is not possible to visually determine projectile drift, and if theshooter does not have access to the output of either the PC-basedTRAG1S5 program or the PDA-based TRAG1S5 Targeting Program, the shootercan use a table which takes into account local conditions, the firearm,and ammunition to determine the amount of deflection over a selectedrange. See FIG. 8 for an illustrative table. With the conditions asstated in FIG. 8, and for a wind crossing from the left of the shooterto the right, the expected deflection of the bullet at 1000 yards wouldbe 54.1 inches to the right. The aiming point for windage can be easilycalculated:

${\frac{{inches}\mspace{14mu}{of}\mspace{14mu}{angle}\mspace{14mu}{on}\mspace{14mu}{horizontal}\mspace{14mu}{cross}\text{-}{hair}}{100\mspace{14mu}{yards}} \times 1000\mspace{14mu}{yards}} = {54.1\mspace{14mu}{inches}}$${{inches}\mspace{14mu}{of}\mspace{14mu}{angle}\mspace{14mu}{on}\mspace{14mu}{horizontal}\mspace{14mu}{cross}\text{-}{hair}} = {\frac{54.1\mspace{14mu}{inches} \times 100\mspace{14mu}{yards}}{1000\mspace{14mu}{yards}} = 5.41}$Thus, the shooter can manually correct for windage on a first shot bychoosing the intersection between the correct secondary horizontalcross-hair for 1000 yards, and the first secondary vertical cross-hairto the right of the primary vertical cross-hair (which, as indicatedabove for a preferred embodiment, is spaced 5 inches of angle away fromthe primary vertical cross-hair).

In addition to a long-range reticle, the present invention can beadapted for use in mid-range application. For the purpose of thisapplication, “mid-range” is defined as about 50 to about 1000 yards fromthe muzzle of the weapon. A mid-range reticle can, for example, bemanufactured, calibrated, and used in a target acquisition device in thesame manner as the long-range reticle described above. Although the tworeticles are calibrated and used in the same fashion, slight variationscan exist in their reticle markings. These slight differences stem fromtheir different range applications. Recall that the primary horizontalcross-hair 22 in the long-range reticle was preferably located above theoptical center 21 to allow for additional field of view necessary forlong ranges. As shown in FIG. 10, the primary horizontal cross-hair 22′of a mid-range reticle 40 does not need to be above the optical center21. Since the mid-range reticle is used for shorter distances, less ofthe lower field of view is needed. Accordingly, for a mid-range reticle,the primary horizontal cross-hair 22′ is preferably centered tointersect the primary vertical cross-hair 20 at the optical center 21.Since this provides more room in the top sectors of the reticle, therangefinder 30 of the mid-range reticle is preferably located in theupper left sector rather than the lower left sector.

The mid-range embodiment 40 of the present invention is used in the samemanner as the long-range version. The target acquisition device andreticle can, for example, be calibrated to work with almost any type offirearm. To calibrate the target acquisition device and reticle, theshooter can follow the same procedure detailed above for a long-rangereticle with the reticle preferably zeroed for mid-range yardage.

Once the target acquisition device has been calibrated for the firearmand specified ammunition, the shooter can test the calculated valuesagainst actual performance at a range. It is preferred that the finalrange value assigned to each secondary horizontal cross-hair should bebased on an actual line firing test of the selected firearm andammunition at various ranges. At least three shots are preferably usedfor the final confirmation of the estimated values.

Once the reticle has been calibrated, it can be used in the field toacquire and hit targets of all sizes at mid-range distances. Therangefinder can be used to determine the range to the target asexplained above with respect to the long-range reticle. Also,compensation for windage can likewise be determined as detailed above. Atarget acquisition device of the present invention could be used to hittargets at shorter ranges, as well as longer ranges, limited only by thecapacity of the firearm and the skills of the shooter.

More accurate results can be achieved if a shooter centers the reticlewhile looking through the target acquisition device. However, aligningthe user's eye with the optical center of the target acquisition deviceis not always easy. The present invention can also be provided with a“ghost ring” 41 as depicted in FIG. 11. The ghost ring 41 is a visiblering which has as its center the optical center 21 of the scope, andwhich circumscribes that markings on the reticle. Ghost ring 41 aidsshooters by helping them align their sight with respect to the targetacquisition device and reticle. By insuring that the ghost ring 41 iscentered within the field of view of the target acquisition device, thereticle will likewise be centered. As shown in FIG. 12, an aiming dot 42can, for example, be included as an aid for rapid acquisition of movingtargets, and for centering the shooter's eye in the field of view of thescope. Dot 42 can be any diameter, but is most preferably about 5 inchesof angle in diameter, and is superimposed over the optical center of thereticle. Dot 42 shown is most preferably circular, but it may also beother shapes such as square, rectangular, oval, and the like. The aimingdot 42 can be a predetermined size that covers a predetermined area ofthe target at a given range according to a scaling of the reticle, suchas inches of angle, centimeters of angle, or conventional scaling meansas mentioned previously. The preferred arrangement of ghost ring 41 incombination with aiming dot 42 enhances the eye's natural tendency tocenter the ring 41 in the center of the field of view of the targetacquisition device. By looking directly along the target acquisitiondevice, the shooter is more likely to have accurate and repeatableshooting. The ghost ring 41 and dot 42 can be part of the reticle.Preferably ring 41 and dot 42 are etched onto one side of the disc 19.However, ring 41 and dot 42 can, for example, also be provided usingother conventional methods such as, for example, printing, etching, orapplying hairs or wires to disc 19, or to other optical components ofthe target acquisition device. In one embodiment, the etched rings anddots are filled with luminescent material such that the rings and dotsmay be illuminated if desired. Preferably aiming marking 42 is etchedonto one side of the disc 19, but it can also be provided using otherconventional methods such as, for example, printing or applying hairs orwires to disc 19 or to other optical components of the scope. In afurther embodiment, the ghost ring is projected and mobile on thereticle, thereby preserving rapid aiming properties while not fixed onlyto the center of the reticle.

All publications and patents mentioned in the above specification areherein incorporated by reference. Various modifications and variationsof the described compositions and methods of the invention will beapparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scopeand spirit of the invention. One skilled in the art will recognize atonce that it would be possible to construct the present invention from avariety of materials and in a variety of different ways. Although theinvention has been described in connection with specific preferredembodiments, it should be understood that the invention should not beunduly limited to such specific embodiments. While the preferredembodiments have been described in detail, and shown in the accompanyingdrawings, it will be evident that various further modification arepossible without departing from the scope of the invention as set forthin the appended claims. Indeed, various modifications of the describedmodes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilledin marksmanship, computers or related fields are intended to be withinthe scope of the following claims.

We claim:
 1. A method for using a ballistics calculator system,comprising: a) providing a ballistics calculator system, comprising: i)a processor, said processor comprising: a ballistics computer program ona computer readable medium for analyzing information to accurately aim afirearm at a target using a target image acquisition device with areticle, said program using information regarding the number andpositional coordinates of at least one spotter assisting at least oneshooter; and ii) a database on a computer readable medium; and iii) atleast one ballistic calculator display; b) inputting acquired aimingpoint information and/or aiming point information stored on saiddatabase regarding one or more of external conditions, the firearm beingused, the projectile being used, the shooter, the target, the relationof the shooter to the target, and said target image acquisition deviceand reticle being used, wherein said at least one shooter and said atleast one spotter are electronically networked through an image of saidtarget on said ballistic calculator display comprising a reticle; c)selecting one or more aiming points on said reticle; and d) using saidaiming point information displayed by said ballistics calculator systemto aim the firearm so as to hit the target.
 2. The method of claim 1,wherein said ballistics calculator display displays an image acquired bysaid at least one shooter's target image acquisition device, or by saidat least one spotter's target image acquisition device, or by both saidat least one shooter's and said at least one spotter's target imageacquisition device.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein said at least oneshooter and said at least one spotter are electronically networkedthrough a physical cable or wire, IR, Bluetooth™, cellular connection,video, radio wave, laser pulse, optical, 802.11b or other wirelesstransmission network using an html, SML, SOAP, X.25, SNA, Bluetooth™,Serial, USB or other image distribution protocol.
 4. The method of claim1, wherein said target image acquisition devices used by said at leastone shooter or by said at least on spotter are gyroscopically orelectronically stabilized, collectively or independently.
 5. The methodof claim 1, wherein said ballistics calculator display comprises anaiming dot, a ghost ring, and/or targeting data projected on one or moreof said shooter's and one or more of said spotter's ballistic calculatordisplay.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein said image displayed by saidballistic calculator display is an analog image, or a digital image. 7.The method of claim 1, wherein said database comprises informationregarding one or more of external conditions, the firearm being used,the projectile being used, the target acquisition device and reticlebeing used, the shooter, the target, the number and positionalcoordinates of said spotter assisting said shooter, and the relation ofthe shooter to the target.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein saiddatabase comprises information used as a reference for target rangeinformation.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein said database comprisesmunitions data and specific performance characteristics.
 10. The methodof claim 1, wherein said database comprises multiple shooting solutions.11. The method of claim 10, wherein said database comprises multipleaiming dots.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein said database comprisesa database of images.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein said databaseof images comprises one or more images of one or more targets, one ormore target representations, one or more faces, one or more compoundlayouts, one or more common objects seen from multiple perspectives, andone or more landscapes.
 14. The method of claim 12, comprising comparingone or more acquired images with one or more images in said database.15. The method of claim 14, wherein said comparing identifies saidtarget.
 16. The method of claim 1, wherein said ballistics calculatingsystem further comprises an object recognition system.
 17. The method ofclaim 16, wherein said object recognition system calculates a range fora selected object.
 18. The method of claim 1, wherein said inputtingcomprises a voice recognition system comprising a microphone andsoftware on a computer readable medium configured to convert spoken wordto data for input.
 19. The method of claim 1, wherein said processorfunctions without user intervention through expert system rules orartificial intelligence.